THE LATEST NEWS.

Gisborne Times, Volume VI, Issue 266, 19 November 1901, Page 2

THE LATEST NEWS.

WHOLE IULL SIDICS SLIP AWAY. ROCKS ROLL DOWN LULLS. APPEAL FOR HELP. By Telegraph— Press Association. Christchurch, mill night. Another slight shock of oarthqu ike was felt here just before eight u d jclr tonight. Tile Hon. Hall-Joncs avrivcil frooi the South to-night, and will go on to Cheviot. Rutherford’s house and its contents, at Mendip l-lills, were wrecked. The family are camping out in tents. Mrs and Misses Rutherford had narrow escapes. The Stanton river, in the vicinity of Mendip, has been damaged by slips, and has formed two large lakes. In some places the whole of the hillsides have slipped away, and the roads aro blocked for wheel traffic. Thcro was very little real cause for alarm at Hanruor Springs, but at Ada Valley, 80 miles away, rocks were hurled down the hill-sides among the men’s tents. Rain sots in this afternoon, aud still continues. It is much needed. The editor of the Lyttelton Times telegraphed to Mr W. T. Robinson, of Cheviot, asking if the collection of funds for immediate relief of sufierers by the earth juako would be acceptable, and received the reply : “ A few cases urgently require help, and though we shall do what wo can locally, the co-operation of our Christchurch friends will be very acceptable. 11 Several families have lost their homos, and practically all their belongin gs, and aro absolutely destitute. “ Government must of course assist in public works, such as roads and bridges, but that will not reach the whole of the distress.

“It is difficult at present to.estimate fclio extent of the damage, but at .least £3OOO will be required to restore means of traffic and communication. It is imperative that the Port road should be put in order without a moment's unnecessary delay. “ There was a very large exodus to-day of women and children, but as far as’l can understand all are going to friends.’