EARTHQUAKE DISASTER.

Hawera Star, Volume XLIX, 19 July 1929, Page 5

EARTHQUAKE DISASTER.

MURCHISON ’ & CHIMNEYLESS HOMES. BRICKLAYERS AND CARPENTERS NEEDED. Although four weeks have elapsed since the earthquake, with its devastating effect upon Murchison and Matakitaki districts, little reparation work has been put in hand, says the “Lyttelton Times.” Councillor M. E. Lyons, representing the Christchurch City Council’s lie lief Committee, reached Murchison on Saturday, and found conditions rather depressing. The journey was made via Manila Junction. It is -possible to motor from Reefton to Matakitaki, but most of the intervening eighteen miles on to Murchison is a foot journey owing to slips. From Reefton over the Rahui Saddle the car had to plough through twelve miles of snow fifteen inches deep. Last Friday evening heavy rain commenced I to fall, swelling every little creek to I a raging torrent, and the resultant) slush and mud are a decided barrier | to progress. Murchison women are commencing to arrive to chimneyless and consequently fireless homes, and with teaming rain falling, the conditions for them were not at all comfortable.

There is an urgent call for gangs of bricklayers, carpenters and plumbers for the Murchison district, to get fires and water supplies back to the homes of the people. The need is immediate and insistent.

Public Works Officials are doing splendid work in getting the roads in order, and it is expected that the mail service from Nelson to Westport via the back country road will be resumed in a few days. A relief camp still operates in Murchison, and is doing good service, but with the work of a few bricklayers, the people will resume their ordinary home life.