SOUTH CANTERBURY

Evening Star, Issue 25419, 26 February 1945, Page 4

SOUTH CANTERBURY

PROMPT RELIEF MEASURES MINISTERS ON SCENE (P.A.) TIMARU, Feb. 25. An assurance that prompt measures will be taken by the Government to provide relief both to town and country residents who have suffered severe losses in the recent floods, and that every effort will be made to save damaged crops and restore production to the maximum was given by the Minister of Works, Mr R. Semple, and the Minister of Agriculture, Mr B. Roberts, to a representative meeting of primary producers, business men, and local body representatives at. Temuke yesterday. Mr Semple emphasised that the disaster was a matter of national concern, and the individual who suffered loss must not be left to bear the brunt of the burden alone. Both Ministers made a tour of the flooded areas at Teniuka, Milford, and Clandeboye, Later Mr Semple returned to Christchurch, but Mr Roberts came to Timaru, where he had a conference with the South Canterbury Primary Production Council. Mr Roberts also visited Waimate, and everywhere the party went they were met by the sight of floor coverings, bedding, and personal effects spread out in the sun by residents, who were still busy removing silt from their homes. The tour revealed the full extent of the damage. Standing crops were flattened. and those in stook were washed away and strewn over fences and bridges. Acres of potatoes were rotting, and piles of dead] sheep showed something of the serious loss of stock.