QUAKE RELIEF

Hokitika Guardian, 29 July 1929, Page 2

QUAKE RELIEF

TRIBUTE TO COMMITTEE. NO GROUND FOR CRITICISM. WELLINGTON, July 26. The following letter has been sent to the Prime Minister by Mr M. M’Lean Chairman of the Karamea Relief Committee ; Mr H. J. Stewart, chairman of the Murchison Relief Committe; and Mr Hugh Fraser ,secretary of the Murchison Relief Committee: — “In view of'the criticism which has been levelled against the Central Earth quake Relief Committee, alleging that there had been unnecessary and avoidable delay in tne matter of dealing with reconstruction and rehabilitation in areas damaged by the recent earthquake, we wish to assure you that with full knowledge o T the conditions existing in those areas, and with the procedure of the committee, any delay was unavoidable, and, further, entirely necessary, as no definite action could be taken until full details were available for use by the committee.

“This,” otf course, does not apply to the matter of. dealing with urgent cases of distress, and with gratitude we re* cognise the promptitude of the conmittee in handling all such cases submitted to it. We regret that unjustifiable criticism has been directed at your committee, which has done and is doing such excellent work, and we unhesitatingly assert that its procedure and promptitude justify the fullest confidence being reposed in it. We deprecate any criticism which may tend to lessen the flow of much-needed relief funds, which, in the aggregate must amount to very large ums, if the distressed areas are to be restored and homes made habitable for those whose personal circumstances are inadequate for their own rehabilitation The public fully recognise that no relief funds will be used for reconstruction of roads or for the opening up of tracks, as yog-have decided that this work comes within \. the province of, councils and the general Government and, we are pleased to learn that the general publ ich'ave been informed that these works are under way.

“We; wish to express oui* grateful acknowledgment of the magnificently generous response of the general public to the appeal made for funds, and we deprecate any x unjustifiable criticism which, by destroying confidence in a most excellent committee, may prejudice the public against continuing their praiseworthy efforts by' way of contributions to a cause where additional funds are still so urgently needed.”