EARTHQUAKE FUND Inangahua Diversion Urged At Once

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31837, 15 November 1968, Page 20

EARTHQUAKE FUND Inangahua Diversion Urged At Once

(New Zealand Press Association) WELLINGTON, November 14. The Opposition today criticised the Government for not directing a $lOO,OOO Hawke’s Bay earthquake relief fund, set up in 1931, into relief for Inangahua earthquake victims.

One of the provisions in the finance bill introduced into Parliament yesterday by the Minister of Finance (Mr Muldoon) was that the fund be administered by the Red Cross and St John Ambulance Association.

Under the bill the Government plans to transfer almost $lOO,OOO in surplus relief funds from the Hawke’s Bay earthquake 37 years ago to the Red Cross and to the Order of St John, in equal shares.

The funds are to be used for avoiding or mitigating effects of natural disaster or war damage ’n New Zealand. The committee set up to administer the funds originally last met in 1934 and the money is at present vested in the Public Trustee. ' During the first reading of the bill the Leader of the Opposition (Mr Kirk) proposed I that the fund would be better used for Inangahua relief. ! He said a considerable ! number of properties were not yet repaired, and some people were in serious financial difficulties because of the May earthquake on the West Coast. He claimed inadequate relief aid had been made available to date. Relief Of Distress Mr Muldoon said the fund was originally set up for relief of distress, and the purpose of the fund would be continued under the administration of the two organisations. The organisations could channel the fund into meeting the relief of distress at Inangahua. ' Mr W. E. Rowling (Lab., Buller) said there was still financial distress at Inanga-

hua, and asked if it was too late for at least part of the fund to be directed into that area. Mr Muldoon said the purpose of the fund was a longterm one. But Mr Kirk replied that the short-term need at Inangahua was more important. “1 was shocked last Sunday at what I found in the town. Present Need “We have had a disaster, and the people need relief now. Would it be wise to provide for the long-term and ignore the present need?” Mr P. Blanchfield (Lab., Westland) said the use of the fund could be “the first ray of sunshine for Inangahua since the quake.” Insurance taken out by residents, farmers and businessmen did not cover the damage suffered to properties, he said. Mr Muldoon said the need had been there for some time, and he was sure action had been sought by those concerned. Mr Blanchfield: Is anything being done. If the Minister answers “No” he will be right. Insurance Cover Mr Muldoon: I am sure something is being done, even if it is taking time. I think it is correct to deal with the Inangahua situation separately. Both Mr Kirk and Mr Rowling pointed out that the conditions of some of the houses in the town could be described as “derelict,” but they were being lived in. Mr Kirk said the normal in-

surance cover taken out by prudent householders could not counter a setback such as the May earthquake. They could only be rehabilitated with assistance.