QUAKE PRECAUTIONS

Grey River Argus, 21 March 1934, Page 6

QUAKE PRECAUTIONS

IN WELLINGTON Town Hall Alterations WELL!XGTON, March 2d. The Wellington City Council has decided to remove the 'Town Hall tower to roof level, ami also to remove the whole of the large portico, except the steps :ind the platform, as an earthquake safely measure. The balustrades ami other ornamentation are also Io be removed. The large clock in the tower, presented by the late Mr John Blundell, will probablv be dismantled, and stored. as no suitable new position has been suggested for it. NATIONAL INSURANCE URGED. (Per Press Association.) DAXNE.VI RKE. March 20. The Damievirke Chamber of Commerce after discussion of on rt hquake hazards, passed a resolution recommending the < lovernment to intitute a national scheme of earthquake insurance by provision of a small increase in tire insurance premiums. L is contended (hat by levying a small percentage on all lire insurance premiums in the Dominion, a considerable sum would be raised yearly. H tlie Dominion were unfortunate enough Io expeiiem-e another severe quake, the funds could be used to compensate people for property loss possibly saving many from ruin. The fund should soon assume large proportions, (‘specially if .‘here were an absence of quakes for some years. Comment was also made upon th" “uniquitous practice” of insurance companies which refused to meet claims under earthquake policies when the damage was under fifty pounds. Indian Quake Relief GANDHI’S AID (Aus. & N.Z. Cable Assn.) ( ’A LUETTA, March 19. A dramatic appeal by Gandhi 1< support a resolution ‘ *tendering re speeifnl co-operation to the Govern ment in the prosecution of Ihe com mon object of relieving ,Ihe un|Xir:il lolled distress in Bihar,” won almost unanimous support al a meeting :tl I’aln-a yesterday. A commit I <‘e iiic.hid ing many Congressmen. Europeans ! Moslems and Hindus was formed Io administer the relief funds and assist ii. reeoiisl net ion.