RELIEF FUND OPENED

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26623, 20 November 1947, Page 6

RELIEF FUND OPENED

GOVERNMENT FACILITIES OFFERED P.A. WELLINGTON, Nov. 19. The funeral of the victims of the Christchurch fire was likely to be held on Sunday afternoon, stated the Leader of the Opposition, Mr Holland, on his return to Wellington from Christchurch by air late this afternoon. He added that representatives of the churches had called a meeting for to-morrow in the'hope that some arrangement mutually, satisfactory to all denominations might be made.. On his return to Wellington Mr Holland reported immediately to the Prime Minister, Mr Fraser. Mr McLagan is returning by inter-island, ferry steamer to-night, v - Mr Holland said that Mr McLagan had,assured a meeting in the Mayor’s room that all facilities of the Government would be at the disposal of the civic authorities in Christchurch and that the workers effected would be fully provided for. Already considerable suras of money had ,been subscribed for -a relief fund, and. the Prime Minister had given an assurance that any assistance the Government could give would be readily forthcoming. The question of the type of funeral was greatly complicated by the fact that the bodies were unrecognisable, said Mr Holland. It was suggested to Mr McLagan and himself that if they could see the remains' of the bodies that had been recovered and make a public statement confirming that they were quite indistinguishable and unrecognisable, it might be of some assistance to the bereaved: Although it was an unpleasant mission, Mr McLagan and himself felt that it was their , stern public duty to do all that lay in their power to help in any way possible. With the pathologist, the superintendent of police, and other officials they therefore visited the morgue, and in view of the charred remains saw there that they could say without any hesitation that there was no possibility of establishing the identity of the bodies. Mr Holland paid a tribute to the fine spirit displayed by the New Zealand people in the time of a tragedy unsurpassed in New Zealand. He referred to the work of the fire brigades in Christchurch, the police, army authorities, the naval men from warships in port, civic and tramway authorities, the Public Works Pepartment and civilians who had ’ given help. Their work was magnificent. If the full story could be told there would be many, deeds of heroism. The departmental heads of the firm were not concerned for the moment about their own safety and concentrated first on the safety of the customers.. This accounted no doubt for the small number of customers injured. Mr Holland also paid a tribute to the work of the men toiling to-day in clearing debris frbm. the scene, of the fire. He said had there been a southerly wind Christchurch might have been- razed by fire.