"A GHASTLY RUIN”

Dominion, Volume 24, Issue 112, 5 February 1931, Page 10

"A GHASTLY RUIN”

Desolation in Napier COMPLETE DISASTER Passengers from Napier, who arrived in Wellington by train last; night were unanimous in the declaration that it would be impossible for anyone who had, not actually witnessed the scenes of ruin, desolation, and disaster to visualise Napier as it now is. They describe Tues-, day night as one of continual alarm, with tremors at frequent intervals. Mr. G. Davies, Napier manager ot the A.M.P. Society, interviewed on his arrival with his wife and family, described Napier as a ghastly ruin. He expressed fear that it would be a very long time before it would be possible to restore the town to its former commercial status. Business people upon whom the vividness of the disaster was still the predominating impression were naturally inclined to doubt if the town would ever recover from the devastating blow. The extent of the damage could only begin to impress the outside public when it realised, for instance, that all the Government’s land records had been lost. So also had the invaluable documents of other institutions and firms. The earthquake began the terrible act and fire completed it. The completeness of the disaster was its most outstanding characteristic. The ruins of the city were now being patrolled by police and naval units. , . , , In a brief reference to the main shock, Mr. Davies said that the two strongest impressions on the senses were the dull roar emanating from every quarter of the city, and the thick cloud of dust caused by’falling mortar and brickwork. After the residents had recovered from the state of daze into which they had been so violently thrown, the anxious task of endeavouring to locate their families began. There were many heartrending scenes as parents sought out their children, and husbands their wives. MAYORAL APPEAL £737 Already in Hand At the emergency meeting to be held in the City Council chamber at 11 a.m. today, the Mayor, Mr. G. A. Troup, will make an appeal to citizens for funds. The Mayor announced yesterday afternoon that, so far, the following donatior i had been received:— & *

DOCTORS IN THE FIELD The official list of doctors who have left for Napier is as follows:— Drs P. Treahy. E. G. Lynch, A. -Gillies, J. W. Jollie, W. H. B. Bull, R. J. Maunsall, Robert Stout, W. S. Robertson, R. B. Martin, L. G. Austin, Leslie Myers, John Thwigg. J. P. Donald. W. J. Pope Robertson, John Russell, A. N. Slater, two from Porirua, and two medical students. The following medical men have also gone unofficially: Drs. , Begg Anson. D. M. Wilson, T. D. Stout, Luke, Bowerbank, and Cotton.

500 0 0 200 0 0 25 0 0 Mr. and Mrs. w. ww •••• 10 0 0 0 5 0 .... £737 5 0