$l0,000 for Pakistan

Press, Volume CX, Issue 32462, 24 November 1970, Page 3

$l0,000 for Pakistan

(New Zealand Press Association) WELLINGTON, Nov. 23. The New Zealand Government will make a grant of $lO,OOO to the Government of Pakistan to assist in relief measures after the recent typhoon and tidal waves in East Pakistan.

Announcing this today, the Prime Minister (Sir Keith Holyoake) said New Zealand would be guided by Pakistan’s wishes as to the form of relief the grant would take. A message of sympathy on behalf of the New Zealand Government was sent to the President of Pakistan on November 16. Sir Keith Holyoake said today that he was appalled at the extent of the disaster. “Everyone in New Zealand will feel the most profound sympathy with the relatives of those who have perished and with the difficulties of those who have managed to survive,” he said. “All will

deeply regret also the vast material damage and the set--back that this will be to Pakistan.” C.0.R.5.0.’s relief-fund appeal for Pakistan totalled $5400 at mid-afternoon yesterday, about $lOOO of which came tn at the week-end. The appeal started a week ago with a target of $30,000. The situation of varying death-toll estimates and complications with threats of epidemic would have to be clarified before the money could be used. As soon as a reasonable amount had been collected, it would be sent, a C.0.R.5.0. executive officer said today. Donations amounting to $5OO were received at the Christchurch office of C.0.R.5.0. yesterday, said the Christchurch organiser for the Canterbury and West Coast branch of C.0.R.5.0. (Mr R. H. French) yesterday. Last week, Christchurch people gave about $lOO, he said. Donations totalling $777 had been received by the North Canterbury branch of the Red Cross Society for relief in East Pakistan, the secretary-manager (Mr R. J. Lipscombe) said yesterday.