THE EARTHQUAKE

Hokitika Guardian, 16 February 1931, Page 6

THE EARTHQUAKE

ALARM AT HASTINGS (By Telegraph—Per Press Association) HASTINGS, February 14. Though there "ere only 31 Hastings residents on free evacuation tickets, by yesterday afternoon’s train, there were 150 booked by the evening to leave this morning, by winch time the total reached 109. Thirty more left Napier. Yesterday’s big quake had the effect of deciding -the minds of those doubtful about, staying. SYMPATHY EXPRESSED. WELLINGTON, February M. The President, Doctor Nitobe and Secretary, Mr Saito, of the Institute of Pacific Relations in Japan, cabled the Secretary in New Zealand: — “Deepest sympathy for recent disaster.” APPEAL TO SCHOOL CHILDREN. WELLINGTON, February 14. The Director of Education, Mr T. B. Strong, addressed an appeal to all primary school pupils for contributions to the earthquake fund, stating it was not desired it he children should make any special appeal to their parents, but should be asked to devote pocket money, during say the next three months, toward the relief of the suffering in the earthquake area. FINES FOR PILFERING. HASTINGS, February 14. Maurice Walsh was ordered by .Justices at Hastings to-day to pay £ls in default three months, for stealing goods from the ruined premises • of Frank L. Bone and others yesterday. John Malted and Edward Lea thy, fellow workmen on relief, for stealing liquor from the ruins of the County Club, were each fined £ls, or in default, three months. QUAKE LESSON. A BUILDING HALT. WELLINGTON, February 14. Instructions have been given by the - .mister of Education, Mr Atmore, for all the work of construction on, educational buildings that is in brick to be ceased forthwith. The Minister lias also ordered an immediate inspection of the brick school buildings in occupation, and has asked for a report to be furnished regarding them.

BUILDING LOSSES NAPIER, February 14. The builders and architects of Napier who held a combined meeting yesterday estimated the damage to the buildings in both towns at ten millions sterling. The damage to the residences was placed at one million, and the damage to the business premises at nine millions. 'Hie total sum excludes the losses in stock, furniture, plant, etc.. 145 NAPIER DEAD SO FAR. CERTIFIED. NAPIER, February 14. Another body has been recovered, that of Denys Evers-Swindell, aged eighteen, who was found in the ruins of the Kaiapoi Woollen Mills, building in Tennyson Street. His parents live in New Plymouth. This brings the death roll to 145, including twenty-six bodies unidentified.

To-day is being observed as a day of rest at Napier. All work, except absoluetly necesary operations, is suspended.