A CASE FOR EIELP.

Taranaki Daily News, 17 January 1922, Page 4

A CASE FOR EIELP.

The effect of the recent cloud-burst in the Omoana district of the Eltham County was the subject of serious consideration at the meeting of the council on Saturday last, when a special report was received from the engjjieer, together with a strong appeal for help from the Government by Cr. McWKlliams, who was prevented by the state of the roads from being present at the council meeting. In describing the disaster as one of the worst cloud-bursts that had ever taken place, the county chairman probably did not in the least exaggerate the calamity so far. as his experiences went, and there can be no doubt that the district had suffered most severely. How hard the necessary work of repairing the damage would press on the settlers was indicated in Or. McWilliams’ letter, wherein lie said: “Before it came, the

settlers of this riding were as near insolvency, in a great many cases, as they could be. No one can say where he stands, with loss of stock, damage to fences, and greatly reduced grazing area.” The engineer’s report gives some idea of the great extent of the damage, and though every effort is being made to 1 render the roads available for traffic, there are parts that will take several weeks to clear from the wash-outs. Such an exceptional disaster, occurring at a time of stress, is a case in which help from the -Consolidated Fund should be granted without demur, even though the Government is short of money, and the council took the right course h. appointing a deputation to interview the Premier on the subject. Nothing but the heartiest sympathy can be felt for the settlers, who have to face this disaster and the havoc it has caused. The Government may be fully assured that the feeling of the country favors a just measure of help being rendered, ami we trust this will be done promptly and fully.