HAWKE’S BAY WIDOWS

Hokitika Guardian, 3 July 1931, Page 7

HAWKE’S BAY WIDOWS

PROVISION OF, RELIEF

WELLINGTON, July 1. Mr Barnard (Labour, Napier) in tli House to-dav asked the Prime Ministe whether he was aware that the insur a nee companies concerned has J'e moved the test proceedings taken ii the Arbitration 1 Court, on behalf o Hawke’s Bay earthquake widows, t< the Supreme Court under the Dec'ara tory Judgments Act, and that appea would be from the judgment of tin Supreme Court to the Court of Appea and then to the Privy Council ; tha taking the matter to tile Privy Counci would involve a. delay of twelve months or more in obtaining a final decision; that meanwhile the widows and orphans concerned were inadequately provide for, and in some cases were in financial difficulties; and whether, lie would cause immediate stops to he taken to \nrovide adequately for the widows and children. Mr Forbes said be was not aware that the insurance companies had removed test proceedings. Relief committees had already taken steps to ensure that widows and orphans were adequately provided for. Arrangements had been made for the various hospital boards throughout the earthquake area to undertake personal relief to earthquake sufferers, amongst whom would be included the widows and dependents of those killed in the disaster. If any sufferer was in need and considered that sufficient assistance was not being provided, lie or she should get into touch with the Hospital Board for the district, and immediate investigations would he made with a view to assistance being provided as a charge against the relief funds. If, also was competent for widows and dependents to make application to the Hawke’s Bay Rehabilitation Committee for some measure of permanent assistance.