PALMERSTON CAMPS

Evening Post, Volume CXI, Issue 36, 12 February 1931, Page 14

PALMERSTON CAMPS

SMOOTH ORGANISATION

(By Telegraph.) * (Special, to "The Evening Post.") PALMERSTON N., This Day. ,Efforts are being "made in Palmerston North to reduce gradually the number of refugees at the two camps. One hundred were transferred to Wanganui and "Wellington yesterday, but there are still over two thousand registered at Palmerston North. Dr. "Waterworth, of Napier, is in charge of the medical arrangements at the Awapuni Bacecourse, and the organisation ministering to the comfort of the people and attending to food supplies is in the hands of a committee of ladies, whose wonderful organisation is due to a great extent to Mr. Victor T. Dibble,'the secretary of the Manawatu Baring Club: Mr. Louisson, the president of the club, and the stewards;1 have taken a big part in the affairs of Awapuni's model camp. The children of school age from both camps have been distributed among the local schools. The necessary supplies of school books, etc., have been provided by the Palmerston North Booksellers' Association at cost price. The manner in which Palmerston people have responded to the call in the emergency has been remarkable. It is hardly possible to single out any particular firm or individual for special mention, for everyone has done, and is doing, his level best. : One iustaneo shows the commendable spirit of all. Dahl 's, Ltd., telegraphed to the stricken area immediately the news of the earthquake came to hand, offering their entire stock of tents and marquees for use, free of charge. As a result, over £1000 worth of tents waa dispatched to-Napier and Hastings. The firm also provided many tents for tho showgrounds. It is certain that many of' the refugees now located in Palmerston North have "no intention, at any rate for the present, of returning to the devastated areas. Several have signified their intention of taking up permanent residence in Palmerston North, and every one of them expresses gratitude for the generosity and hospitality of the people in Palmerston North. ; Just how long the camps will be continued no one knows, but it is likely that it will be several months before the refugees are permanently billeted. Some are anxious to get back to their homes, but many are reluctant to move from their present quarters. The Palmerston North Chamber of Commerce has advocated the holding of a national art union to raise funds to assist the work of rehabilitation. The Prime Minister and Minster of Internal Affairs are to be approached on the matter.