THE EARTHQUAKE

Hokitika Guardian, 18 February 1931, Page 6

THE EARTHQUAKE

MEETING OF LOCAL EXECUTI VE. The local executive of the Earthquake Fund met at the Town Hall last evening. Present:—Messrs - G. A. Perry (Mayor) in the chair; W. E. Richards J. J. Breeze, M. McGnvin, K. Thorn, C. B. Ross ; 1). J. Evans, T. ,W. Bruce (hon. sec.) and Dr Hayes. An apology was made for the absence of Father Finerty.

A vote of £4 for clothing was made to a refugee from Hawkes Ray. Mr Bruce reported that the fund stood at £653 4s 3d. The sum of £548 18s 6d had been forwarded to the central fund, and the balance would be remitted from time to time. ,T.t was stated the Hokitika Savings Bank Trustees had voted £SO that day, and other substantial donations were expected. The • Chairman said the voluntary ro.spon.se had been very good and £ 1000 was now in sight. Regarding means to collect funds, Mr Evans suggested a 'tarpaulin collection in Revel I Street (at Weld Street corner) on Saturday night, 7 to 10 o’clock. If was resolved to ask the School Band to play from 7; Pipers from 7.30; Mr Parry’s phone from 8.45. It is hoped to have special lighting for the occasion. A large tarpaulin will be slung over the well at the Street corner, and passers-by invited to throw their spare coins into the tarpaulin. Mr Bruce will take charge of the funds at 10 o’clock, and it was hoped a shovel would be required to gather up the coins.

It was decided to call a meeting of ladies for 3 o’clock on Thursday afternoon at the Town Hall to organise various means of raising funds by special efforts. The Black Hand Orchestra assisted by others, through Mr Lawn, offered to conduct a popular ball at the Soldiers’ Hall on the 25inst. in aid of the fund. This was approved, the offer being accepted with thanks. “Regarding the organising of th]p Country districts, Mr Evans’ offer to do what he could in the matter was accepted with thanks.

The meeting then adjourned till the same hour next Tuesday at the. Town Hall, when the programme to raise additional funds will be further extended.

REPATRIATION ARRANGEMENTS. (By Telegraph—Per Press Association) HASTINGS, February 17. In connection with the general repatriation to the devastated area, Hastings authorities desire it to be clearly undefl-stood that permits to return through police pickets and other permits now in existence do not entitle the refugee to a free railway journey back. The railway will accept only a special permit clearly laying out the purpose for which it is issued, and signed by the officer in charge of the Central Registration insofar as Hastings and the vicinity is .concerned. Further announcements will be made as to procedure to obtain general re-j patriation permits.

GOVERNOR GENERAL. MESSAGE TO HASTINGS MAYOR. The Mayor of Hastings has received the following letter from the Gov-ernor-General “I am very grateful and much touched by your letter of 12th February, conveying to me the appreciation of members of your Borough Council and executive of the Citizens Earthquake Committee for what little my wife and I have been able to do to show our sympathy with you and your fellow

| townspeople in the distress which has Jso suddenly and acutely befallen your town and district. We both sincerely wish that we could have done something of more practical value to help you in your hour of trial, bereavement and material Joss. In. any case, as you will realise, our hearts are with you during this crisis in the history of your progressive, enlightened and once

attractive borough and if there is anything that we can do further consistently with the post that we occupy, to help you, we shall expect you quite candidly to let ns know. We have carried away with us from Hastings as 1 well as from Napier, the most respectful admiration for the brave spirit with which the local inhabitants are.

facing their calamities and the selfless, public spirit activities of all those who are participating so nobly in the work of relief and various improvised administrative functions. To you personally we offer our heart-1 Pelt sympathy in the disastrous loss of your business premises, and so many I

faithful colleagues and employees, and we pray to God that you may be vouchsafed strength to carry you through unimpaired in health to brighter and happier times. Black though the clouds appear, I am confident that Hastings is destined to rise from its present half ruined condition to a state of greater prosperity, attractiveness and fame in the days to come.” (Signed) Bledisloe. A CORRECTION.

The name of Mrs C. Scott. Oliphant Road, in Hastings, casualty list, should be Miss Jean Scott. A SUDDEN BUMP. Hastings felt two or three minor tremors during the last 24 bom's including a swift sudden bump at 12.0 n this afternoon. j