AT NAPIER

Hokitika Guardian, 18 March 1931, Page 6

AT NAPIER

STEADY PROGRESS SHOWN

(By Telegraph—Per Press Association)

NAPIER, -March IS

Steady progress is being made by Napier town commissioners in coping with the work of restoration. Having taken over tho reins of control from various organisations, they have continued the activities which were promoted before their arrival and have also constituted a number of new movements.

Gratification was expressed by Ah' JS. Barton S.M., at the condition <>i Dickens Street. A few shops in that thoroughfare particularly in the southern side were seriously damaged. He remarked he had been led to believe the great majority had been completely ruined, but had learned from his own observations that while a number had been destroyed, some were fit for use again.

Good results were being obtained in response to appeals for school children to return to Napier. 1 esterdffy there were 347 children at Te Awa School and a further 144 at the central, the total representing an increase of /0 per cent, on Monday’s figures. Then' were also 45 pupils at the Girls High School and 70 at the Boys School. Tim buildings were now taxed to their limit.

He added that he was treating the matter of finding further accommodation urgently. The manner which retailors are opening up in the block of community shops could be seen by the people for themselves. He had definitely decided to erect five more shops in the space which the contractors had said was available in Memorial Square.

The clearing of nibble from the streets was being pushed ahead and arrangements were being made for a “clean up” day, when an extensive effort would be made to complete the. work with Borough labour.

The restoration of the water drain

age services was well in hand, being controlled by the Wellington Cil,v Engineer. Mr G. Hart, who is recognised as one of the Dominion’s loading authorities on this class of work. An attempt is also being mad,. t<> cope with all the possible sources of danger in the event o( rain.

Mr Barton added that, be was doubtful if trains would ever run again. He was not considering the question as a loss of £IOO weekly was shown before the ’quake. CONDITIONS AT NAPIER. NAPIER, March IS. A steady increase, in returning residents brings tho number to over 6000. During the past week 060 people registered against 200 during the previous week. Of last week’s total 572 arc farmer residents, and 88 new residents. School attendances are also increasing rapidly. Unemployed men are now officially stated to" total 125. Citizens camped at Nelson Park 505 compared with 715 a week ago. Some tent dwellers arrived by train to live in the Park a few days pending putting their homes in order, some ol which are far from habitable. Provision is completed for 50 patients at the new temporary hospital on the old site on Hospital Hill. Nurses accommodation is provided at MeHardy Mater. nitv Home.