RELIEF IN FLOOD AREAS

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22389, 30 April 1938, Page 8

RELIEF IN FLOOD AREAS

PROMPT GOVERNMENT

ACTION

SERVICES BY AIR AND SEA

(tress association telbgpajj.)

WELLINGTON, April 29. No time has been lost by the Government in arranging for relief for the people in the floo_d-stricken areas of Hawke's Bay. Arrangements were completed this morning to ensure tne continuity of food supplies for those isolated and to provide access for them. The Hon. R. Semple, Minister for Public Works, said to-day that road access from Napier to Wairoa was cut off, and it would probably be some months before it was restored. "We have made all the arrangements necessary for aerial services, ' the Minister said. "The clubs have done wonderful work and Union Airways have given great service. We sent two aeroplanes up from Wellington this morning. Luckily the line between Wairoa and Waikokopu is open. There are peoDle who will not travel by air and iacilities have to be provided for them. The Minister indicated that probably the two Richardson boats, Pakura and Pukeho. would be licensed to carry passengers. Preliminary arrangements had been made to organise men and machinery to tackle one of the Dominion's major disasters. "I can assure all those affected, and the public generally," he said, "that the Government will spare no time or money in getting people back and giving maximum relief to victims of the flood. The main thing just now is to open up access and give relief." The Hon. H. T. Armstrong, Minister for Employment, said this morning that upon suggestions by Messrs W. E. Barnard and E. L. Cullen, members of Parliament, the local authorities had been authorised to transfer the services of subsidised or fully paid Labour Department men from various works to the restoration of flood damage. Any other local body employing men under the department's scheme if wanting to use their services for flood restoration, would be granted immediate permission on communicating with the nearest District Employment Officer. Local bodies were invited, however, to take advantage of any surplus labour available.

COVERED WITH SILT

DEVASTATION REVEALED AS WATER RECEDES

(PRESS ASSOCIATION TELEGRAM.) NAPIER, April 29. A tour of inspection through the Esk Valley revealed conditions unprecedented in the history of the district. The whole valley is a sea of silt and wreckage. The flood waters have receded, leaving si'.t over everything, varying in depth from two to 12 feet. Photographs taken yesterday show a man stepping off the silt on to the roof of a house. At another house, mud and wreckage hide the whole residence up to the eaves. ' The main road, which was recently resurfaced with bitumen, is completely covered under feet of silt. At one point it is almost possible to reach and touch the telegraph wires. Fence lines have disappeared. The whole scene is one of utter desolation. It will be months before direct road communication with the north is restored.

The removal of silt from farmlands is out of the question. Farmers will have to start again on a surface qf heavy silt.