WORDS MISUNDERSTOOD

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 706, 4 July 1929, Page 16

WORDS MISUNDERSTOOD

DR. TELFORD EXPLAINS SUFFERING ON WEST COAST (Special to THE SUN) CHRISTCHURCH, Today. The district officer of health. Dr. J. F. Telford, has issued the following' statement in explanation of the remarks attributed to him after his recent visit to the earthquake-stricken areas of the West Coast: “Regarding an interview given over the telephone at Christchurch on my return from the West Coast I was unfortunately represented as saying that the Westport people are condoling with one another and considering getting in relief money instead of getting to work. This is quite incorrect. The statement applied to the borough council at the time of my arrival at Westport, when it was considering these matters, instead of getting on with all essential utilities which had been interrupted. “I understand that this reputed statement of mine is likely to have done harm in the minds of the general public, and I am anxious that this impression should be corrected. From my inspection of the West Coast locality following the earthquake I am satisfied that the West Coast people went through a very harrowing time, and in addition suffered serious damage to their dwellings and furniture. I would therefore suggest to all those in a position to give to give liberally in order that the damage done to private property may be speedily rectified, as sufferers from the earthquake are in every sense deserving.”