M.P.’S AT NAPIER

Dominion, Volume 24, Issue 147, 18 March 1931, Page 11

M.P.’S AT NAPIER

Expressions of Sympathy DESIRE TO HELP Spirit of Co-operation Expressions of sympathy with those affected by the earthquake and a desire to help in every way that lay in their power were uttered by the members of Parliament during their week-end visit to Napier and Hastings. During the luncheon which took place during the Par liamentarians’ visit to Napier, opportunity was taken by Mr. W. E. Barnard, M.P. for Napier, to call upon some of the visitors to speak. The Leader of the Labour Party, Mr. H. E. Holland, said he felt sure he was voicing the sentiments of the whole of the members of Parliament when he said that while they deplored the disaster which had befallen the district, they were very glad to have had the opportunity of seeing it for themselves, and they would now be able to go back to Wellington better able to deal with the problems arising from it than would otherwise have been the case. They were indebted to Mr. Barnard for arranging the trip and to the Mayor, Mr. J. Vigor Brown, and other citizens who had provided cars for the outing. Mr. Holland then went on to mention the Buller earthquake in 1929, where, he said, they were extremely fortunate that the damage was not §o great on account of the fact that in Hawke’s Bay there were more congested areas. Need for Action. “Although from the newspapers I had some idea of what the position was,” he .said, “I had no real conception of what the damage was until to-day. As far as the Labour Party is concerned we are prepared to have the Address-in-Re-ply debate dropped at auy moment in order that we can have earthquake legislature put through. The need for immediate action is necessary and we should go ahead at once to help you. Napier should not be allowed to remain a wreck when this country has such resources behind it. On behalf of my party I will say that we will do any thing that is possible to aid in the reconstruction of this district.” Mr. R. A. Wright (Reform) stated that he was prepared to support practically all Mr. Holland had said. It was not often that he was found supporting Mr. Holland, but on this sub ject they were unanimous. He was of the opinion that every member of the House was extremely sympathetic mid they would be prepared to do all they possibly could to reinstate Napier and the surrounding districts to their Cornier condition. “The people of New Zealand are all members of the one family, although, perhaps, they might differ on political questions,” Mr. Wright said. “When one branch of a family meets with .. a disaster through circumstances beyond its control, ihe other members of the family should stand by the injured member. The same applies in this case.” “The visit lias not been a pleasant one,” he continued. “One has to see the ravages of the earthquake before one can understand it. I agree that Napier should be reinstated and that the people should be able to come here to live again.” Full of Sympathy. The steps that had been taken by the Government to send a commission to Napier with practically unlimited powers, said Mr. G. C. Munns (United), showed that the Government was going to dj something tangible for the stricken area, while the £1,500,000 which had been made available for immediate use also showed its good faith. The hearts of the members of Parliament, he said, were full of sympathy for the people who had suffered, but they had to be a little careful, especially at the present time. He urged that if any of the Napier people had any troubles they should not hold indignation • meetings, but they should straight away get into touch with the commission, while he also asked that they. should not be dissatisfied with the £l,500,000 loan as there would be more made available later.

Messrs. J. Vigor Brown, J. Mason and Barnard on behalf of the citizens of Napier expressed thauks for so many of the members making the trip. Mr. Barnard said that the citizens of Napier were greatly cheered by the presence of the parliamentarians and the tone of the remarks of the speakers, who represented all groups. He also urged that every effort should be made to avoid as much delay as possible in the giving of assistance to the district, stating that anj’ delay would only increase the losses. On this matter there was no feeling of party, and it was this which was accepted and recognised by Parliament.