WAIRARAPA STORM

Evening Post, Volume CXVIII, Issue 92, 16 October 1934, Page 10

WAIRARAPA STORM

STATE ASSISTANCE

QUESTION IN HOUSE

The extent of the Government's assistance to residents of the Wairarapa where property was severely damaged by the recent storm was outlined by the Prime Minister (the Rt. Hon. G. W. Forbes) in the House of Representatives this afternoon.

The Hon. A. D. McLeod (Government, "Wairarapa) asked the Prime Minister whether any direct financial assistance was being provided for those people who were in relatively poor circumstances, and if there was, to whom should the- applications be made.

Replying, the Prime Minister stated that arrangements were mado for the Public AVorks Department to investigate and report upon the effects of the storm. The engineers discussed the question of assistance with the Ma}f ors of Masterton, Carterton, and Greytown, and with the Masterton and South Wairarapa County Councils. The Mayors of Masterton and Greytown stated that they did not anticipate asking for any further assistance other than that arranged by the Unemployment Board, while the county councils had at that time no definite requests from settlers for assistance.

"The only requests so far received are from Carterton, involving an expendirtire of about £220, but the district engineer considered there were other properties on which owners might make application, and he estimated that the total cost would be approximately £1200," said Mr. Forbes. "In cases of distinct hardship, where owners of properties are unable to carry out the necessary repairs through lack of finance, the local authorities liavo been asked to prepare a list giving the details and cost of the work required, with a statement regarding the owner's financial position. This information is then to bo submitted to the Public Works Department, when the question of financial assistance will be given consideration."