MR BARNARD, M.P.

Hokitika Guardian, 8 June 1931, Page 5

MR BARNARD, M.P.

QUESTIONS A PARAGRAPH

IN GOYEHX()R-G EXERAL’ S SPEECH.

(By Telegraph—Ter Tress Association)

NAPIER. June 8

. ‘I have noticed in the press a paragraph concerning the presentation to Commander Moigau of H.M.S. Veronica, in recognition of the services o! himself and his men in Napier (luring the earthquake," remarked Mr W. Barnard .M.P. For Napier, when speaking in Hastings on .Saturday night. “This presenilation was made by the Governor. Lord Bledisloe,” he continued, "and according to the * paragraph Lord Bledisloe made a statement that hut for the presence and the prompt action of the Commander and nis men, there would have been a serious pa.de in Napier.” "Now I. want to say here that that remark is overstated,” said Mr Barn aid.

A voice—-“I think so too Mr Barn ard.”

‘ I am quite satisfied that there would have been no panic in Napier even if the Veronica had not been there.” A voice—“Or anywhere else.”

Air Barnard—You must remember that Napier was a town of 16,000 inhabitants at that time and the total men on the Veronica was not more, than 100. All of those, 100 were not in the town, for obviously somWmf-n had to stay on the ship. Ho to say that hut for the presence of 60 or 70 men, there would have been a panic is quite untrue. T have no intention of belittling the extremely fine work done bv the men of the Veronica, also the Diomede and Dunedin, but I want to say that the people of Napier stood tip to that tragic disaster most remarkably well, and in a manner which has retlcctied the greatest credit on them.

I take this lirst opportunity of saying that there would have been no panic in Napier even ii the men of tine Veronica had not been there, and the more one thinks of that disastei the more one feels reason to he proud to he a New Zealander anil in particular to he-a resident of jHawkes Bay.”