Earthquake Lessons

Dominion, Volume 24, Issue 240, 7 July 1931, Page 11

Earthquake Lessons

Sir, —Much has been said and written upon lessons to be learned from the earthquake damage in Hawke’s Bay in early February. 1 have read with great interest “The Dominion” survey of the reconstruction of Hawke's Bay, and should like to express my appreciation It gives an amazingly comprehensive and illuminating account of the organisations which sprang to life within a few hours to provide the essential services for dispensing nourishment, comfort and help to the stricken people. The amount of executive ability and sheer dogged effort and courage that went into action must fill all those who read anew with admiration. The committees proved their adaptability and determination to cope with the situation by meeting at seven thirty each morning to correct the mistakes of yesterday. It is little wonder that they soon had the organisation at the peak of efficiency. One of the most telling items in the number affirmed the optimism of the Hawke’s Bay people. Commercial travellers state ‘‘that the feeling of confidence in the immediate future is greater in the earthquake-stricken localities than in other districts,” aud, further, that "Napier and Hastings are the only towns in New Zealand where the .depression is forgotten." Surely that teaches a lesson ljust as valuable as that so drastically given by the earthquake on the resistive faculties of brick, stone, and ferro-concrete. The Hawke’s Bay people have accepted loss and disaster with fortitude, . adapting themselves to the new conditions nnd striving day by day to better them. Their example could well be copied by the rest of our New Zealand people in this time of financial stress. The distressing circumstance of having less money should be met cheerfully by the exercise of more thrift. This would modify the gloom that is rapidly becoming a national characteristic. —I am, etc.. A NEW ZEALANDER. Wellington, July 2.