SEDDONVILLE DESERTED

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 710, 9 July 1929, Page 13

SEDDONVILLE DESERTED

FEW HOUSES HABITABLE REFUGEES FOR CHRISTCHURCH Press Association WESTPORT, Monday. Owing to the fear of another flood, most of the Seddonville residents decided to come to Westport. The effect of the flood is worse than was at first anticipated, and the whole township is practically destitute. Food and clothing have been sent out, but only about a dozen houses are habitable. About 120 of the refugees arrived in town this evening, and are billeted out among local residents. They leave in the morning for Reefton, en route to Christchurch, under the care of the Salvation Army, which is arranging for their billeting, with a view to giving them a change from their nervewracking experiences. LITTLE FOOD FOR STOCK SILT AT SEDDONVILLE Press Association BLENHEIM, Today. Yesterday afternoon the Mayor of Blenheim, Mr. M. McKenzie, received a telegram from Mr. J. H. Harkness, Mayor of Westport, appealing for 20 tons of hay, chaff and other fodder for stock in the Seddonville district, where the fields are covered with silt. The Mayor referred the request to the Merchants’ Association, who got busy with such effect that 25 tons were shipped by the Komata today. More is to follow, as several farmers have come forward with offers of fodder for that purpose.

EARTHQUAKE RELIEF FUNDS

A special committee meeting; of the Birkenhead Band was held last evening in the Borough Council Chambers, at which Mr. G. Huddlestone presided. It was decided to hold a concert on Sunday evening to raise fsmds for the Mayor's earthquake relief fund. The US© of the hall and suitable pictures has been granted by Fuller-Hay ward. Ltd., and well-known local artists have consented to assist. A silver coin collection will be made at -the door - The Kaetihi Bbrougli Council's earthquake relief fund now totals £55 16s 6d . The earthquake relief fund at Ivaitaia will benefit by over £2B, which was raised by the Girl Guides and BoyScouts, also by £lO taken up in the Kaitaia district Presbyterian churches last Sunday. A movement is on foot to organise a town fund, and the Anglican and Methodist churches in the district will take up special collections for the fund.