RELIEF FUNDS

Evening Post, Volume CVII, Issue 149, 28 June 1929, Page 10

RELIEF FUNDS

ADMINISTRATION QUESTION

CENTRAL COMMITTEE

Measures for earthquake relief in tho affected areas, with particular reference to the distribution of the concentrated funds,-were discussed in the House of Representatives yesterday. The matter was raised by Mr. H. E. Holland (Buller), who asked the Prime Minister if he would make a statement covering the Government's intentions with respect to the administration of the various relief funds which were being opened all over tho Dominion. He referred to the representative central committee set up on the West Coast, and pointed out that in addition local committees had been appointed to collect detailed information in regard to the value and nature- of the damage done, the information to be submitted to the central committee. \ He anticipated that there would be some little difficulty in allocating the different funds, and he asked for an indication of the Government's intentions in regard to a central administration scheme. Would the Prime Minister also add to whatever Dominion administration, committee might be formed the names of the members of Parliament for the electorates affected by the earthquake? The district committees were already in urgent need of money. Stressing the need for urgency, the Leader of the Opposition (the Bight Hon. J. G. Coates) suggested that valuations should be made of the damage done to properties, first in respect to houses and business premises and then in regard to farms. That was an immediate necessity, and it would expedite the final settlement of any assistance tho Government might wish to give.. ONE MAIN COMMITTEE. The Prime Minister said that the matter had been accorded urgency by the Government from the start, and a 'great deal had already been done. His idea was that the various relief committees should be co-ordinated. In addition to sums subscribed in local districts, the Government had also received considerable sums, and he had suggested to the Mayor of Wellington that the Wellington City Council should join with the Government in forming a maiu committee into .whose care the whole of the funds collected throughout the Dominion should be paid. He proposed that this committee should control the disposal of the money, and that there should be local advisers in the affected earthquake districts who should advise in the distribution. "Money is required at once," interjected Mr. Coates. Sir Joseph said that the Government had already dispensed €unds. Mr. Holland: "You would not propose to take the local administration out of the hands of the local committees, would you?'' s The Prime Minister said he wanted to go into the whole question of administration. Some of the committees might have different ideas as to what was necessary. If advisers were appointed in the various centres of disturbance a system could be laid down wh'c-h would prevent anomalies arising. It was a big thing, and it must be carried out on proper lines. Up till the present money had been provided to meet the needs of people in particular parts.' On the following day, after conferring with the Mayor of Wellington, he hoped to be in a position to make a more authoritative statement as to how the committees should work. Sir Joseph added that he would consider adding the names of membe;.-- of Parliament to the committee, but it would be awkward for the members to attend to those duties while Parliament was sitting. As to valuations, the Public Works Department had already been communicated with. RESTORING HOUSES. Mr. J. O'Brien (Westland) asked the Prime Minister what steps the Government intends to take in making habitable houses which have been destroyed by the earthquake. There were nT&ny houses, he said, in which it was impossible to live, and they were in urgent need of attention in view of the wintry weather. The Prime Minister said .he would make a statement in regard to the Government 's intentions on Friday afternoon. Mr. J. O'Brien (Westland) also intends to ask the Prime Minister whether he will make further money available, through the State Advances Department, to enable those who have had their houses demolished as a result of the earthquake to make good the damage. Mr. H. Holland (Christehurch North) proposes to' ask whether, in the event of any money contributed for the relief of victims of the Huntly mining disaster being available, he will introduce legislation making that money available for the relief of sufferers by the earthquake.