NOTES OF THE DAY

Dominion, Volume 22, Issue 225, 19 June 1929, Page 10

NOTES OF THE DAY

On the facts so far available it seems evident that the earthquake shock of Monday last was the most severe ever experienced in this country so far as the extent of the damage is concerned. It seems equally clear that the modern type of reinforced building did not contribute to the losses. The larger buildings which have suffered most appear to be of a type which is going out of date—buildings with rather top-heavy towers and with a good deal of decorative work on their parapets and upper stories. Though rumour as usual was busy in Wellington, none of the large buildings erected in recent years suffered the least damage.

The later news regarding conditions on the West Coast of the South Island is in some respects very disquieting. Apart from the heavy losses already recorded, the blocking of the Matakitaki and Buller Rivers with heavy landslides is causing the accumulation of huge bodies of water, which must eventually break through and flood the country. The little town of Murchison is dangerously situated on a low flat close by the junction of the Matakitaki and Buller Rivers, and must be in grave danger when the break through in the Matakitaki River eventually occurs. Warnings have been broadcast from 2YA wireless station and by other means to those whose homes are in the danger zone. The difficulties of communication and transport —practically all the mainroads in the locality are blocked by slips and falling stones, and telephone and telegraph wires are down—are added to by a continuance of the earthquake shocks which cause further falls from time to time. It will be some days before the full extent of the damage occasioned will be learned.

One of the most important questions ahead of the new British Labour-Socialist Government is the Report of the Simon Commission on Indian political reform. On this question there should be little room for party feeling. The personnel of the Commission was carefully selected from all parties in order to emphasise the importance of placing the problem well beyond the area of party politics. The Simon Commission is now to hear evidence in London in collaboration with the Indian Central Committee. Each will subsequently bring down separate reports, which will be laid before a Joint Committee of both Houses of Parliament. To this Joint Committee the Indian Central Committee will have access, “the most important of all opportunities for the Indian representatives.” observes the London Spectator, “for they will then meet the makers of the Bill.” The Simon Commission has nothing to do with that. As explained by its Chairman, when the Commission arrived in India, “our duty is to make a fair, honest, and sympathetic report to the Imperial Parliament of things as we find them.” The two reports should make interesting reading, but the Bill which is to be based upon the evidence set out therein should be much more so, for it will represent a supreme attempt on the part of the Tmnerial Government to achieve political peace in India.