From 'Frisco.

Waipukurau Press, Volume I, 3 July 1906, Page 2

From 'Frisco.

Interesting Experiences. The following extracts are from a letter received by Mrs Enting, of Waipukurau, from her sister, Miss Rewald, now residing in San Francisco : — Whether you have heard of the terrible earthquake which we have had here, followed \uih the destruction of the city by fire, 1 do not know. If you have, you need not be anxious about us, as our house is still standing and is all right (though the skake moved it a few inches back), and we had to sleep outside in a vacant section one night. We were quite warm there, but had to cover our heads and faces up as best we could on account of the bits of charcoal and plaster flying about from the fire. The fire was very close to us, and we made sure our house and things would burn, but we were fortunate, and were able to get back to it the next evening, none the worse for our outdoor sleep. Of all the earth quakes that we had in New Zealand since I have lived, none can be compared to this one. About 5.30 a.m. on Wednesday, April 18, we were awakened by this great shake. Why, I never expeced such an earthquake here, as we have Qply had slight shocks during the two years 1 have been here. You can imagine the terrible force it had when it brought down whole buildings, and buried people under them, some being rescued, others killed. One hotel went underground all but the roof (on which people could walk), with over one hundred people or more in it. There are ever so many lives lost, the correct number of which they will never know. Then this was not the worst. Fires were breaking out all over the city. On Wednesday morning about 7 o’clock 1 went down town to our office, thinking I could perhaps save a few books and letters ; when 1 got there the elevators were not running, so of course I could not get in. The town was burning then in different places, and 1 had to hurry back home, as it was quite dangerous. When 1 first went down town that morning, and saw the state the city was in, broken buildings, others standing quite crooked, bricks all over the street a fire here and there, and people sitting on their trunks in the street, not knowing which way to turn or what to do next, it made me feel quite sick. You know the earthquake twisted and broke the water pipes so that there was no water, so tney blew up buildings with dynamite to prevent the fire from spreading. After a while they were able to get a little water, but all the business part of the city is completely destroyed. You can never imagine what a destroyed city looks, like ; one reads of these things, but the reality is fur different. Of course, this has put everybody out of work, so the Government is providing food and clothes for the people. Some have lost homes, clothes, and everything ; some have lost some of their relations, and signs are put up everywhere telling where different people are to be found, and lists of them publised i.i the papers. We have plenty of food and are having a regular picnic just now. People from other places are sending money, food and clothes; we have the militia all about us and are all under martial law, having to do just what they tell us.

We are just like a lot of paupers now ; the funniest part of it, to me, is when we ail stand in lines one after the other going forward for food. Every now and then, while 1 stand in line, 1 see some one I coming past with his or her bundle of provisions, and of course always call out to them ; its the best fun. out. As everyone is the same now, and everybody is glad to see and help one another, 1 know quite a number of people, and am meeting them gradually. W e have to post letters without stamps, as we have none; 1 had one given to me. For a good many nigh is we have had to go into dark houses, as we were not allowed a lighten account ot it not being safe, and the city was in total darkness. Now we are allowed to burn a light until 10 pm. As the chimneys are all broken we have to cook out on the street- All the people who have houses have their stoves on the street, the rest having other fire-places. Ever so many men have been shot for stealing, others for trying to commence a riot, and others, both men.

and women, for not obeying orders; but everything is alright as long as we do what we are told. The militia watch over us and protect us, and if we had not them there would be all sorts of things happening. They will have to provide for us for quite a while. Of course they will push the work ahem I as quickly as possible, and rebuild the city. It will be a fine city when it is rebuilt again, and a much better place. What lam going to do in the way of work I cannot tell yet; the only thing to do just now is to wait and see what turns up, everybody being in the same box just now. But everything will come out allright, and perhaps it will be much better for us after. We are not a bit miserable just now, but as happy as larks. One good thing they did here when all this trouble came was to break all the bottles and do away with all the intoxicating drinks' Almost all the banks are burned, but after a while 1 think we will be able to get our money, as the safes are allright. I never thought to witness all this, but 1 am not sorry for the experience.