DAMAGE BY 'QUAKE

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 20821, 27 June 1942, Page 3

DAMAGE BY 'QUAKE

WAIRARAPA LOSS MANY BLOCKS RUINED EKETAHUNA WORST HIT (P.A.) WELLINGTON, this day. "I was very much impressed with the fine attitude and courage of the people concerned, particularly those who had been hard hit,” said the Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. .P. Fraser, when referring fo his visit to Wairarapa. Mr. Fraser added that while the earthquake damage was not comparable to that in Napier, it was still extensive and many buildings, ruined. Of the towns he had visited, Eketahuna seemed to be worst hit. The post office there had been completely ruined and the Bank of New South Wales was unsafe for use. Temporary premises had been found in both cases. Mr. Fraser praised the work of the E.P.S. personnel, the local authorities and the departments concerned, also the army and air force for their splendid service. Means of effecting the necessary repairs, which would involve releasing some men from the army, had been discussed with the local authorities and also consideration had been given for the provision Of immediate cooking needs. The Government would provide the initial finance and the question of repayment would be taken up later. : Yesterday afternoon, Mr. Fraser, inspected the damage in his dWji electorate. . L’, AxArmy Signallers’ Aid ' Valuable assistance during ,i the emergency caused by the earthquake was given .to the Telegraph Department by army signallers. Units, with all the necessary equipment were sent to the area and .they restored communications as they went into Wairarapa, helped to shift civilians and restored exchange?. They maintained communications until .the normal services were resumed. , . Approval was given at a special meeting of the Wellington City Council to the general lines- of -the policy to be followed in dealing with earthquake damage repair and' restoration Work. Subject, to satisfactory assurances being given by the Government,.-a general agreement was reached on proposals for an immediate start with urgent repairs, the money so expended in the first place by the city council to be the first charge oh the properties which benefit. The Government is to be asked to make available labour and material, a .subsidy .to be sought from the Government which, i.t is suggested, could be provided from the war damage inr surance. A fund to meet cases of private loss is to be discussed at a later stage, it being considered that any individuals in a position to make their own arrangements should do so. Meanwhile, a limit of £2OO will be placed on municipal expenditure-r----recoverable later from the ownerin restoring for immediate use any one property. Permit fees will be waived, but the usual permission will have to be obtained from*., the city corporation for all work: >(• ..