THE EARTHQUAKE.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 7257, 19 November 1901, Page 3

THE EARTHQUAKE.

A DEPRESSING NIGHT. FURTHER SHOCKS: OPPRESSIVELY HOT WEATHER CONDITION OF THE SETTLERS [Per Press Association.] WELLINGTON, Nov. 19 The postmaster at Cheviot, telegraphing to tbe Secretary of tie Department at 8 a.m., says: — I have to report another depressing night. Since my last there has been a number of minor disturbances, intermingled with one or two onore severe and serious shocks. None, however, have done any additional damage, chiefly because practically all the damage from which the settlement can suffer has already been done. I regret to say that, after the promise of much-needed cooling rain last night, the weather has again changed this morning, and is •oppressively close with a scorching sun. This will add to the 'troubles of the farmers, whose land is parched, and the crops are consequently in nearly all cases failures. The Christchurch newspapers have already started a relief fund. H must not be understood, however, that settlers are destitute. Almost ; without exception their homes are badly damaged, and in scene cases destroyed, while one or two business people in M'Kenzie itself, who have no available .capital, have lost their all. It is these latter who will benefit by the relief .fund, the chief use of whioli will not be to buy food bu : t to enable them to make another start. The impression abroad that people are absolutely destitute is incorrect, though several are ruined.