’QUAKE SUFFERERS IMPATIENT

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 717, 17 July 1929, Page 1

’QUAKE SUFFERERS IMPATIENT

Slowness of Relief Work SHELTER AND FIRES NEEDED (Special to THE SUN) WESTPORT, Today. THERE is a widespread feeling of impatience in the earthquake area at the comparative slowness at which the work of restoration is proceeding. The Public Works Department has done splendid work on the essential roads, work that can be appreciated only by those who saw the roads as they were immediately after the shake. The only cavilling in this connection arises out of differences of opinion as to just what road work should he given precedence. This, however, is inevitable when there are so many inquiries to be made and, so far as can be gathered, the work put in hand has been wisely chosen.

It is in restoring the damage to private property that complaints are heard. They are not loud at present, but are widespread. While everybody realises that the task is difficult, there is a strong feeling that the Central Committee is getting hold of the wrong end of the stick. It may be that the committee has a complete artwer to the gist of the criticism commonly heard in the earthquake districts, and in every case it seems desirable that some publicity should be given to that criticism. The position is that the committee is calling on persons who seek relief grants to fill in application forms giving about as complete a disclosure of their financial status as the income tax office requires, and withholding action until the financial eligibility of the applicant is established. While everybody realises that great care is needed to prevent imposition, there is a general feeling that the policy adopted overlooks some important aspects of the problem, and must greatly delay the work of restoration. The basic facts of the situation are, first, that a great deal of damage to private property has been done here in Westport. Practically every house was damaged, according to the Westport Committee, the chief trouble being fallen chimneys. In the second place, there is in the various districts only a limited amount of skilled labour available for the work needed, and the local committees have no control over that labour. Thirdly, it is very necessary to hear in mind that whether a man has an income of £4 or £4O a week makes no difference to his elemental human need of a roof over his head, and at least one fireplace in working order beneath it. The real need is to get every home going again as rapidly as possible. The frills can be left over, and after the job has been done it will be time enough to decide how much each householder should pay out of his own pocket, and how much should come from public subscription or State grant. Many critics allege that the present

plan of working results in people in a position to pay outright for their repairs getting the first call on most of the available labour. A good executive is needed to get this essential work in all the districts going on sound lines, and one local body man expressed the opinion that, if an ! engineer such as Mr. Tyndale, of the ! Main Highways Board, were put ou to the task, things would soon begin | to move. “As it is,” said this critic, “it looks to me as if it will be a good three years before Westport has its last chimney up again.” Summed up, the general feeling through all the districts is that an executive to get things done is needed much more urgently than a committee to talk of what should be done.

NOT PRESSED TO PAY

RETAILERS AT WESTPORT BUSINESSMEN’S ANSWER Press Association WELLINGTON, Today. The Wellington Chamber of Commerce took strong exception to allegations made by Mr. H. E. Holland, M.P., that wholesalers were pushing retailers at Westport for the payment of their accounts. It was stated that no evidence could be found in support of these statements. It was decided that Mr. Holland should be asked to substantiate his allegations or withdraw them. It was generally considered that retailers on the Wes*, Coast had been treated generously.