A COMMISSION FOR NAPIER.

Auckland Star, Volume LXII, Issue 46, 24 February 1931, Page 6

A COMMISSION FOR NAPIER.

The idea of appointing a Commission to supervise l'econstruction in Hawke's Bay is an excellent one, and there should be no objection if the Government takes a little time to find the most suitable of available men. The task of reconstruction will be long and very costly; it is estimated that the money privately subscribed will not do more than support the victims of the disaster. Very large sums will have to be spent on re-building the shattered towns and setting the wheels of business in motion again, and a strong central authority on the spot is needed to direct and co-ordinate effort, an executive under which local committees could attend to details of policy and administration. The Commission should be small and select. Mr. Barton, S.M., has been mentioned as chairman, and since he is an accountant as well as a magistrate, he would be a suitable choice. He should have not more than two colleagues, and they should be business men' of high standing and proved ability. If all three commissioners came from outside HaAvke's Bay it would not matter. The only-consideration should be business capacity. A great deal of money will have to be spent in , Napier, and there must be no waste.