APPEAL FOR FUNDS

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

APPEAL FOR FUNDS

Prime Minister’s Statement AID FOR SUFFERERS Validating Legislation An. appeal for financial assistance to relieve as far as possible the plight of those who have suffered through the earthquake was issued yesterday by the Prime Minister, Right Hon. G. W. Forbes. The setting up of relief funds in each of the centres of population was suggested by Mr. Forbes, who stated that steps would be taken to bring down legislation to validate donations by local authorities. “In view of the magnitude of the earthquake disaster in Napier and Hastings and surrounding district, and the sad loss of life, widespread suffering, and distress which have been caused,’’ said the Prime Minister, “I desire to issue an appeal to the people of New Zealand for financial assistance to relieve as far as possible the desperate plight in which so many sufferers have been placed by the catastrophe. I have no doubt that the philanthropic spirit of New Zealanders to assist their fellow-citizens who are in dire need will ensure a ready and generous response, as was notably the case in connection with the earthquake in the Nelson and Buller district in 1929. ”1 would suggest the setting up of relief funds .in each of the centres of population throughout the Dominion, preferably by the municipal authorities and newspaper offices. The Government propose to establish a general fund to be administered by a special representative committee, which will be set up for this purpose, and any moneys received direct by the Government will be paid into the Public Account at the Bank of New Zealand to the credit of this fund. A similar course should be followed in respect of donations received by Mayors and local authorities in other parts of the Dominion. “The bank receipts for such payments should be sent to the Secretary of the Treasury, Wellington, with a covering letter setting out details of the contributions, and, in addition to sending the bank receipts to the Treasury, I should also like to be advised by letter of what has been done. Steps will also be taken by the Government to submit legislation to Parliament in due course to validate any donations by local authorities to the Earthquake Fund. “I feel there is no necessity for me to stress the urgency of the matter of financial assistance, and I am deeply impressed with the generous offers of help already intimated to the Government. Let us all remember in a national disaster such as has lamentably occurred the old maxim that ‘He gives twice who gives quickly.’ ”