LORD BLEDISLOE’S TRIBUTE

Hokitika Guardian, 13 February 1931, Page 3

LORD BLEDISLOE’S TRIBUTE

ENDURANCE AND PLUCK. PEOPLE OF EARTHQUAKE AREA. 'I hi> Governor-General ( Lord Bledislue) ilegraplietl the following inessag.to th<‘ editor of the “Times” from Dannevirke yesterday afternoon: — “After our recent sojourn in the area most grievionsly stricken by the earthquake disaster, 1 desire in view of what we have seen and heard, to record our respectful admiration of the splendid spirit and indomitable pluctc.

patient endurance, resource fulness and unflagging mutual helpfulness animating its whole population, European and .Maori alike, of both sexes and all ages in the face of death, bereavement, injury and irretrievable material losses. “It lias made us feel proud to belong to tlie British race, happily co-operat-ing in this country and in this crisis with the noble Maori people. The finest traditions and qualities of both have been put to the acid test and magnifiicentlv maintained. BLED 1 SLOE, “Governor-General.” MESSAGE TO ENGLISH GOVERNMENT. LORD BLEDISLOE’S TELEGRAM. RUGBY, February Lord Bledisloe, in a telegram to the Dominions Secretary, refers , to tho quiet courage, mutual helpfulness, resourcefulness and discipline of the whole population, including the Maori race, amid a scene of wholesale destruction and bereavement. He adds: “Medical and relief services were organ ised admirably and are working fhnoutlijy. ‘With improved transport, the majority of the population have left Napier, and its well-equipped field hospital has evacuateed the most serious casualties to other hospitals in the North Island. The unevacuated homeless people are accommodated comfortably under canvas in the public park and elsewhere. Essential supplies are fairly adequate and the deficiencies, chiefly clothing, arc being rapidly made good. The prompt, efficient and indefatigable services of the naval officers and men continuously from the time of the initial disaster are beyond all praise.” In a telegram to the King, General Hindenbtirg expressed sincere condolence in the New Zealand earthquake disaster and assured his Majesty that the whole of Germany feels the deepest sympathy. The King, in reply, expressed profound gratitude lor tin's kindness.