CONFIDENCE EXPRESSED

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXIII, 27 July 1929, Page 7

CONFIDENCE EXPRESSED

IN CENTRAL RELIEF COMMITTEE

LETTER TO PRIME MINISTER

(By Teleoraph—Special to "The Mail")

WELLINGTON, 26th July. The following letter has been sent 'jo the Prime Minister by Mr McLean, chairman of the Karamea Relief Coirimittee, Mr H. J. Stewart, chairman of the Murchison Relief Committee, and Mr Hugh Fraser, secretary of the Murchison Relief Committee. In view of the criticism which lias been levelled against the Central Earthquake. Relief Committee alleging that there has been unnecessary and avoidable delay in the matter of dealing with reconstruction and rehabilitation in the areas damaged by the recent earthquake we wish to assure you that with a full knowledge of the conditions existing in those areas and with tho procedure of the committee any delay was unavoidable and further, entirely necessary, as no definite action could he taken until full details were available for use by the committee. This, of course, does not apply to the matter of dealing with urgent cases of distress and with gratitude we recognise the promptitude of the committee in handling all such cases submitted to it.

We - regret that unjustifiable criticism has been directed at your committee which has done and is doing such excellent work, and we unhesitatingly assert that its procedure and promptitude justify the fullest confidence being reposed in it. We deprecate any criticism which may tend to lessen the flow pf much needed re-j lief funds, which in the aggregate must amount to a very large sum if the distressed areas are to he restored and homes made habitable for those whose personal circumstances are inadequate for their own rehabilitation.

The public fully recognise that no i relief funds will be used for the reconstruction of roads or for the opening up of tracks, as you have decided that this work comes within the province of Councils and the general Government, and we are pleased to learn that the general public, has been informed that these works are under way. .

We wish to express our grateful acknowledgment of the magnificently generous response of the generafi public to the appeal made for .funds and •wo deprecate any unjustifiable criticism which, by destroying confidence in a most excellent committee may prejudice the public against continuing their praiseworthy efforts by wav of contributions to a cause where additional funds are still- so urgently needed.”