RELIEF FUNDS.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 50, Issue 17, 31 October 1929, Page 5

RELIEF FUNDS.

EARTHQUAKE SUFFERERS. STATEMENT BY MINISTER. (Per Press Association.) WELLINGTON, October 30. A statement of the position in regard to the administration of relief mea-* sures in the earthquake area and the allocation of the relief funds orencrally was made in the House of Representatives to-day by the Acting-Leader ox the House (the Hon. Mr horoes). Mr G. C. Black (Motueka) asked Mr Forbes whether he would consult with the Prime Minister with a-view to holding a meeting of the Central Earthquake Committee at an early date to deal with applications toi. assistance. . , ~ , „ Mr Forbes replied that he would be pleased to do so. He added:— It may, however, be explained that the work of tlio sub-committee has not yet be. finallv completed, as applications aie still being received. Ibe sub-commit-tee lias, however, given consideration to a large number claims, an grants totalling £54,288 have been recommended. The su b-commit te • y Generally followed tne recommendation of the district committees, out in a tew instances where the settlers can be expected to provide tree hiboi.i !l y l auctions have been made. The ie f°" mendations of the subcommittee hao been approved m anticipation of the approved of the Central Comnotte-, ami the decisions have been conveyed to the District Relief Comimttees so that relief measures are not being tie la;V ‘‘Grants totail'ing £20.047 have been authorised on the recomniendat on of he Murchison Committee, ami £4109 on the recommendation of the Kaiamea Committee. The ’after committee is itself dealing with claims nuclei -10. in the case of. Marina ami Corby vale settlors, where lack of access » the trouble, the position has been met bv authorising tfce payment of allowances to Marina settlers, and in rega d to Corbvvalc similar provision anl he made, but the committee is awaiting information as to the number of dependents of the settlors there. The secietarv to the Karamea Committee, who was in Wellington to-day, stated that this information would be supplied very some eases the sub-committee has considered it expedient to hold over applications pending the receipt of further information. The applications which have not been dealt with are mostly confined to people, im more or less comfortable circumstances and to a I plications by institutions. It may be added that two members cf the subcommittee recently visited the districts end conferred with the local committees in regard to claims where sVacicnt information had not in the first instance been supplied. The local committoes visited had no complaint to make as to the administration of relief measures.”