NAPIER SOUTH PEOPLE

Evening Post, Volume CXI, Issue 72, 26 March 1931, Page 15

NAPIER SOUTH PEOPLE

STRAINED HOSPITALITY

(By Telegraph.—Press Association.)

HASTINGS, 25th March

An appeal to absentee residents of Napier, who have failed to return to their homes on account of lack of sewI ernge and drainage, to return and make the best of tho inconvenience has been made by the chairman of the Napier Commission, Mr. J. S. Barton. "Residents of Napier South," said Mr. Barton, "must recognise that we have not been able to do as much as we or they would like, but they must join in making the best of a bad job. Every ordinary care is taken in carrying out inspections and seeing there is reasonable safety for all. Leaflets have been issued giving instructions, visits are paid by inspectors, and everything that can bo done to inform and assist householders is being done. "If the people do not come back to their homes, what is the alternative?" asked Mr. Barton. "They stay away and strain tho hospitality of people in other centres beyond breaking point, and, further, are using up relief funds which the controlling body has stated its -willingness to use in the habilitation of homes. They are making it impossible to weed out those who are abusing the system, and, unfortunately, thorn are many who arc doing so." The Commission, continued Mr. Earton, is urging that all should return to Napier, and provision could be made for those whoso homos are not fit for occupation to house thorn under canvas, so that they could pay visits to their houses and help to get, them ready for occupation. Daily conferences had boon held between the Commissioners, sanitary inspectors, and surveyors since tho Commission took over control, and they 'were doing all they could for tho sewerlage and drainage'of the district. Plant purchased by the Commission is now being got into order, and it is expected that the new scheme will be in operation within seven days.