PROGRESS AT NAPIER.

Auckland Star, Volume LXII, Issue 45, 23 February 1931, Page 6

PROGRESS AT NAPIER.

The statement made at Napier on Saturday by the Hon. R. M. Masters should help to rid the public of some of the current doubts and misconceptions in regard to the Government's policy. It is now clear that the whole of the money contributed by public subscription will be needed for personal relief, and the expenses of reconstruction must be met from other sources. 'No doubt' a largo loan will be required, and, as Archbishop Avcrill has just pointed out, there is much to be said for borroAving at Home at onco while sympathy for those who have suffered from this terrible calamity is still keen and active. But in the meantime, much is being done to initiate the work of reconstruction. The Government realises that it is desirable to get the population of Napier and Hastings back to their homes as soon as possible, and as a preliminary step houses must be made fit for their accommodation. The Government proposes to advance money through the local bodies to provide for the rebuilding of one chimney in each house, and proper sewerage connection —-the money to bo repaid by instalments. At the same time, an attempt must be made to start business operations again in the towns, and for this purpose Mr. Masters has arranged for a loan of £10,000 for the erection of a block of temporary shops in Napier. All this means that energetic and practical steps are being taken to recreate social, industrial and commercial life in the devastated areas. But it is evident that a wide extension of the powers of local bodies would be needed to deal with all the complex problems that have developed out of this tragic disaster, and Mr. Masters has stated publicly that the Government has in view the constitution of a system of local control, through a Commission invested with special authority, to deal with the whole situation. It is clear that the Government is pushing on the work of reconstruction on well-conceived and definite lines with the least possible procrastination or delay.