RECONSTRUCTION.

Press, Volume LXV, Issue 19666, 9 July 1929, Page 11

RECONSTRUCTION.

FUTURE OF MURCHISON. NO CAUSE FOR DESPAIR. (PBBSS ASSOCIATION TBLBQEAV.J NELSON, July 8. Speaking to an "Evening Mail" representative to-day, Mr Hugh Fraser, who has done so much for the Murchison district at the time of the earthquake, and since, remarked:

"It is a matter of deep concern to those who still have, faith in the Murehison district to hear some of its citizens declare that they will never go back there to live. Whether it be a farmer or a business man or woman, surely, with few exceptions, it is much too soon to decide so vital a question. Murchison people were as a whole a contented and fairly prosperous community when the earthquake came along and upset them temporarily. They were a happily united people, just like one big family, and it would be a matter for regret if the earthquake resulted in too many gaps in their ranks. It may be taken for granted that others will take the places of those who may finally decide to leave, but the point cannot be too strongly emphasised that in some cases at least they may 'go farther and fare worse.' True, a few farms have been rendered totally unfit for dairying; others have been so badly damaged a3 to reduce greatly their productivity for the time, but the great majority of farm lands have sustained little or no damage. The output of dairy produce may be reduced by 25 per cent., or even 30 per cent., next season, but anyone with a knowledge of the district and its possibilities will admit that it is capable of making a complete and speedy recovery in point of output. "Few farmers or others have escaped fairlv heavy losses through damage to buildings; this is general over most of the country, and will call for courage and determination to build up again, but this does not materiallv affect production. It is on some of the farms that the greatest measure of assistance is needed, and probably relief funds cannot well be better ap- ' than in setting producers on their feet again as far as possible. As for houses, a good gang of men under skilled direction would_ soon put these in order, and the making of all homes habitable would seem to be the most urgent and pressing: need of the moment. Although representations were made only three days after the earthquake suggesting that the Public Works Department should undertake the restoration of homes, three weeks have now passed without any move having been made. Meantime, more or less depreciation of property is taking place through leaking roofs, etc. It is, however, admittedly difficult for the Government to decide or declare its policy until the full extent of damage in all parts has been ascertained. Taking it for granted that sufficient funds will ultimately be made available for this purpose either by the Government or by those controlling relief funds, the Public Works Department might well be authorised to proceed with the restoration of chimneys at once, and the cost of the work could be treated as part of the compensation or relief moneys payable. "It is not a case of sitting down and waiting for the Government to do everything; it is simply impossible for individual householders to secure the necessary skilled labour. It is a matter of the greatest importance that the Government should take steps to assist people in this way, for it would not only speed up a return to normal conditions, but it would do much to restore confidence.

"Many men have already returned to their homes, and their womenfolk are eager to join them at the earliest possible moment, but the unwisdom of women and children returning to manv of the homes in their present condition cannot be too strongly stressed.

"So far as Murchison is concerned, the sun has not gone out of business; there are good times coming. The very considerable expenditure of public money there which is assured will of itself make business brisk and benefit the whole district by increasing the amount of ready money in circulation. There is a big task ahead, but the majority of people have courage and faith to face it and will ultimately reap their reward. One of the immediate tasks Murchison has to tackle is removing from the minds of those who cannot view it for themselves the damagins impression of the district which must have resulted from the exaggerated reports given by excited peonle."

Mr Fraser. in further remarks, said ihat in the main the newspaper reports had been fair in every way; but in one or two instances reports from excited people had got into print giving a very uhsurd and exaggerated idea of the damage. Concluding. Mr Fraser said: "Three weeks ago Mnrchison was regarded by many as a sinking shin. Tn three vears hence, with a railway right in to the township, the main highways to the Coast and over the Lewis Pass completed, and everybody happy and Drosnerons, it will be * the envy of manv who now regard it as a veritßi'-e •Nt> 'Man's Land."' '' nelson escapes lightly. (PBSSS iSSOCXATIOV TZLEG&A-X.) NELSON, July 8. Shocks apparently felt with 80 severity on the West Coast nosevere in Nelson nor at Murchison or Takaka.