RELIEF OF HARDSHIP

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 8 April 1929, Page 9

RELIEF OF HARDSHIP

LOSSES THROUGH HAIL STORM GOVERNMENT LOAN SCHEME. HAWKE’S BAY AND OAMARU. (By Telegraph—Press Association.) WELLINGTON, April 8. The decision of the Government to authorise advances up to a total of £SOOO to the producers in the Hawke’s Bay ana Oamnru districts who suffered damage from the hailstorms some weeks ago was announced, to-day by Sir Joseph Ward, ho said he wished to make it quite clear that loans and not grants were authorised. The money would he available only in cases of unusual hardship and where if was absolutely necessary that assistance should bo given. Tno Prime Minister pointed out that the Government- cou'ld not make geueraf provision for the deist-ruction of crops, etc. by hia.il storms and other acts of God; theirefoiie an inquiry would he made into the ca.se of each applicant for relief, and where assistance- was deemed to lie- a matter of necessity advances would he madtf. at a reasonable rate of interest.

One’s sympathy naturally went out to people who suffered as a result of such unexpected happenings, but the issue wo-uld be a. very big one if the Government were to commence making genii rail provision for the destruction of property.' Step® shoal'd he taken lief orehand bv those likely to ho a fleeted by an unforeseen occurrence to protect themselves in the event of such misfortunes.