EARTHQUAKE RELIEF

Hokitika Guardian, 30 July 1930, Page 3

EARTHQUAKE RELIEF

OVER £BO,OOO PAID OUT

'By Telegraph—Per Press Association, WELLINGTON, July 29. The Central Earthquake Committee met to-day and considered many matters in relation to the fund. It was reported, that grants totalling £26,835 15s had been authorised since, the previous meeting, >. making a total ol £Bl,llß 17s 9d. There was a suggestion that compassionate grants be given those who has suffered bereavements through the earthquake, 'notwithstanding that grants already had been made for loss of property. This w*as held over for further consideration at the next meeting.

It wms decided that no further claims would be accepted after July 28tli, but that the District Committees'' be-' informed that all claims on hand at that date would be dealt with. Lengthy proposals in connection with the payment of annuities to the widows and dependants of the persons killed through the earthquake were submitted to tlie Central Committee to-day. The Committee resolved that a small sub-committee of the Public Trustee and the Auditor-General be appointed to report on the proposals.

The sub-committee was also instructed to consider the advisability of making a straightout grant to cover tlie damage to property w*her& this has occurred.

It was reported that several claims had been received by the Committee at Karamea from those who suffered damage through the flood on®the 29th of December. The Central Committee decided these claims were to be taken in conjunction with other late claims on account of the earthquake damage already in the hands of the local committee.

A suggestion was received from the Women’s Division of* the New Zealand Farmers’ Union that a donation of at least £5 be made to all of the sufferers on the earthquake area for crockery and household requirements but in view' of the claims still being made on’the ! fund, the Committee regretted that it was impossible to consider this suggestion, and it was furthermore of opinion that the liberal assistance given in other directions made a general grant of this nature unnecessary.