EARTHQUAKE FUND

Hokitika Guardian, 23 September 1930, Page 3

EARTHQUAKE FUND

FINAL MEETING [By Telegraph, Per Press Association.] WELLINGTON, September 22. The Central Committee appointed to administer , the funds raised to relieve the distress caused by the Duller earthquake last year held its final meeting to-day. Before disbanding the members were thanked for their services by the Chairman, the Acting-Prime Minister, Mr Ransom. A statement setting out the position of the fund will he issued within a day or so. In addition to the Acting-Prime ; Minister, the meeting was attended by the Minister of Education (Hon Mr Atmore) the Leader of the Opposition (Mr Coates), the Mayor of Welington, the Public Trustee, the Engineer-in-Chief, and Under-Secret-ary of Public Works Department, the Controller aiid Auditor-General, and Mr R. E. Hayes, who represented the Treasury. The Committee received a report from the Sub-Committee consisting of Colonel Campbell and Mr MacDonald, on the question of annuities to the' widows and dependents of the. persons killed. The Committee’s recommendations were generally adopt-; ed with a proviso that. ‘ the. members of the sub-Cpmmittep. jbe empowered further wtq;(YeyiPHi- : - ; 6'acl) case before the purchase of annuities is proceeded with.- - -

The Committee directed also that as far ns possible, the annuities he purheased under an Inalienable Annuities Act 1910; 1 ■

A suggestion was made that compassionate grants he given to those who had suffered bereavement through the earthquake notwithstanding that grants have already been made these people for loss of property. The Committee regretted, however, that it. was unable to make any provision by way of compassionate grants as suggested. It was decided that a statement of the position, of the fund should he published, and this was left in the Chairman’s hands.

It was explained that the payment of grants had not yet been completed by the District Committees. Hence it had not been possible to prepare a final statement for publication. At the conclusion of the meeting, the Chairman expressed his pleasure at being associated with the Committee, which had administered the Central Earthquake Fund in such a satisfactory manner.