RECENT EARTHQUAKE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume L, Issue 3958, 20 June 1929, Page 3

RECENT EARTHQUAKE.

GOVERNMENT ASSISTANCE. An intimation was given yesterday by the. Prime Minister (Rt. Hon. Sir Joseph Ward) that sufferers through the-earthquake will receive a generous measure of Gove raiment assistance. In the meantime, the local branch of the British Red Cross Society has voted £SO towards relief in Nelson, and has opened a fund in Wellington. MESSAGES OF SYMPATHY.

Several messages of sympathy with those who -suffered through the earthquake were received yesterday by the Pk’ime Minister (Rt. Hon. Sir Joseph Ward). The following cablegram came from the Prime Minister of Australia (Rt. Hon. S. M. Bruce) : “On behalf of the Government and people of Australia I desire to convey our deep sympathy to the people of New Zealand and especially to the sufferers and relatives of those who have lost their lives in the earthquake which has occurred ii. your country.” The Acting-Premier of New South Wales (Hon. E. A. Buttenshaw), cabled: — “My colleagues and 1 desire to tender our heartfelt sympathy to vour Government and to those who have suffered in yesterday’s disastrous oeeunrenee. Further news is anxiously awaited.” From the Swedish Consul-Gen-eral for Australia, who is at present in Stockholm, the following message was received: — “Reports of dreadful devastation and loss of life caused by the earthquake have evoked deep and widespread Swedish sympathy for the sufferers and the whole of the New Zealand nation.” “THE SHAKY ISLE.” Exaggerated and alarmist accounts of the earthquake were published in some of the English newspapers, aecoi’ding to advices received by the Prime Minister (Rt. Hon. Sir Joseph Ward). On receipt of this information steps were taken by the Prime Minister to acquaint the High Commissioner for New Zealand in London of the correct position, authority being cabled for the publication of an authentic statement in the United Kingdom. Similar action has since been taken by Sir Joseph Ward, through the Prime Ministers of Australia and Canada, and the British Consul in New Yofik. The following were characteristic of headings used in some evening papers in London: — “Earthquake Havoc in New Zealand.” “The Shaky Isle.” “Dominion Rocked.” “Enormous and Widespread Damage.” “Screaming Women and Children.”