QUAKE RELIEF

Hokitika Guardian, 11 March 1931, Page 2

QUAKE RELIEF

GOVERNMENT’S PROPOSALS. TAX ON INSURABLE PROPERTY. THROUGHOUT THE COUNTRY. (By Telegraph—Per Press Association) WELLINGTON, .March 10. An outline oi' the Government's proposals for the financing of earthquake rohahiiation has been veil by the Piimo Minister, .Mr Forhes. He states that one million and a quarter sterling is to he made available for assistance to individuals and linns lor the reconstruction of buildings, and a quarter of a million sterling for loans to the local bodies lor the restoration of essential services. Mr Forhes said that a reserve fund that is he'd in London by tin; Government will be utilised temporarily. This fund is largely invested in the securities of the .British Government, and if is proposed to realise on these to the ex Unit of one million and a half sterling.

In order to deinonlsti‘ufc this reserve fund the GoVerliineht proposes to levy a surtax of eighteen pence per Cent, on tile value of all the insurable property in the Dominion. This levy tUiv braces all of the insurance eompaul doing busmens here on tile basis <• f the insurances effected. The carriers ... their own risks will be taxed on the insurable value of their property. The proceeds of th c surtax are to be used as follows : First, for recouping the revenue that, will he hast through the sale of die million and a half pounds worth e l ' investments. Secondly, for reinstating the reserve fund. The surtax is to he a permanent charge in order to build up a lend Tot use on the occasions of any future national disaster. Adjustment Commissioners are to he appointed to prevent the exploitation of-debtors by creditors. Legislation giving the authority for these measures is to be put through during one short session.

THE RESTORATION. AFI EH, .March 9. To miahle people to re-oeeupy their homes immediately, an appeal is made by the Earthquake Relief Committee ‘for people who own Perfection cookers to place them on loan to Napier inhabitants. Owners ar 0 requested to communicate with the secretary of the Gas Company, who will take the responsibility 'for their safe Keeping, and return of the stoves.

The Napier Girls’ High School resumed to-day. In the early days after the ’quake it tens thought by the nu» tlwi'itiori tiuit it would bo impossible to resume ,secondary education in Napier for some time. However, so many parents expressed a desire to have their children with them that it was decided at short notice to reopen, and to give an opportunity to get the child ren back to normal as soon as their homes are ready. In spite of the old school being ruined and the new brick building damaged, there still remain ten to twelve detached rooms which withstood the shock, and these are being used.

£5,000 GRANT. WELLINGTON, March 10. A request was made by a deputation which waited on the Prime Minister from the Hawke’s Bay River Board yesterday, that LIO.OOO be granted by the GoveriimoiiP*for repairing the dam age caused by the earthquake to the river protection works in the Board’s area. After consultateion with his colleagues, Mr Forbes annnouneed that the Government had decided to make a grant of £5,000 on a £1 for £1 basis the Board to bo lent- £SOOO free of interest for two years.

ACTS OF HEROISM. HASTINGS, March 10. “Hastings -amd Napier men ami women performed deeds which, had they occurred in the Army at tli e war, would have been considered worthy of the highest decorations and a place among treasured conditions,” says a letter written to th e local Press by Mr W. A, G. Penlington, principal of tlie Hastings High School, and an exmajor m the Rifle Brigade during the great war, who makes a plea for the recognition of valour during the earthquake. “There were many instances of people risking their lives for the sake of others.” the letter continues, “ana in some eases - they sustained serious injuries m doing so. and in several instances met with death. There is no doubt that such cases should he brought io the notice of the Royal Humane Society.” The Mayor of Hastings has asked Mr Penlington to supervise tlicompilation of records of the sort of heroism referred to.