RELIEF FUNDS

Hokitika Guardian, 2 November 1929, Page 3

RELIEF FUNDS

SUFFERERS FROM EARTHQUAKE. STATEM ENT , BY HON, .MR FOR RES T WELLINGTON, October 30. A statement of the position in regard to the administration of relief measures in the earthquake area and the allocation-, io|. the relief funds generally was made in the House of Representatives to-day by the Acting-Leader, of the House (the Hon. Mi’ Forbes.) - “■Mr G. C. Biddle (U., Motueka) asked Mr whether he would consult with the Prime Minister with a view to holding a meeting of the Central Earthquake Committee at an early date to deal with applications ifor assistance.

Mr Forbes replied that lie would be pleased to do so. He added: —“It may however, he explained that the work of the sub-committee has not yet been finally completed, as : applications are still being received. The sub-committee has, however, given consideration to a large number of claims, and grants totalling £54,288 have been recommended. The sub-committee has generally followed the recommendation of the district committees, but in a few in stances where. the settlers can be expected to provide free labour slight reductions have been made. The recommendations of the’’sub-committee have been approved in anticipation of the approval of the Central Committee and the decisions have been conveyed to the District Relief Committees, so that relief measures are not being delayed in any way.

“Grants totalling £20,047 have been authorised on the recommendation of the Murchison Committee, and £4109 on the recommendation of the Karamea Committee. The latter committee is itself dealing with claims under £ls. In the case of IVlaruia and Corby vale settlers, where lack of access is the trouble, the position has been met by authorising the payment of allowances to Maruia settlers, and in regard to Corbyvale similar provision will be made, but the committee is awaiting information as to the number of dependents of the settlers there. The secretjaary to the Kar.amea Committee, who was in Wellington to-day, stated that this information would be supplied very shortly.

“In some cases the sub-committee has considered it expedient to hold over applications pending' the receipt of further information. The applications which have not been dealt with are mostly confined to people in more or less comfortable circumstances and to applications by institutions. It may be added that two members of the subcommittee recently visited the districts and conferred with the; local committees in regard to claims where sufficient information had not in the first instance been supplied. The local committees visited had no complaint to make 1 as to the administration of rebel' measures.”