The Hawera Star. WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 1931. THE EARTHQUAKE DISASTER.

Hawera Star, Volume LI, 4 February 1931, Page 4

The Hawera Star.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 1931. THE EARTHQUAKE DISASTER.

Delivered every evening: by 5 o'olock in Hawera, Manaia, Kaupokonui, Otakeho, Oeo, Pibama, Opunake, Normanby, Okaiawa, Eltham, Ngaere, Mangratoki, Kaponga, Awatuna, Te Kiri, Mahoe, Lowgarth, Manutahi, Kakaramea, Alton, Hurleyville, Patea, Whenuakura, Waverley, Mokoia, Wbakamara. Obangai, Meremero, Fraser Koad. and Ararata.

The East Coast earthquake disaster has profoundly shocked the whole of the Dominion. To-day the heartfelt sympathy of the whole population goes out to those who have suffered bereavement, injury and .mental stress in the holocaust, as it goes also' to those at a distance from the scene who have been made anxious for the welfare of relatives and friends. A more terrifying experience for a large body of people cannot- be imagined, and it is a foregone conclusion that everything that is within human power will be done by the rest of New Zealand to relieve the sufferings of those who have been through yesterday’s ordeal on the East Coast. The response that has been made to the first t appeal for assistance has been magnificent. Members of Cabinet have thrown themselves into the work and from every quarter of New Zealand help was being rushed to the scene of the disaster as soon as it was definitely known that the damage was serious. Warships, aeroplanes, motor ears and special trains are playing their part in transporting eager volunteers. The response to the request for medical and nursing assistance lias- already been splendid, and in this work of mercy doctors and nurses and civilian's from Taranaki are taking part. Perhaps nothing brings home to us, situated as we are in comfort and safety at a distance from the site of the upheaval, the magnitude of the disaster more strikingly than the announcements made of the first steps taken to succour the injured. The establishment of dressing stations in the open air, the rushing forward of medical supplies and equipment for field hospitals, con- | jure up thoughts which have lain dor- ' mant since the war. It is with very real grief and sympathy that the ptilii lie in other parts of New Zealand 1o-

day await further advice regarding the size of the death roll and the extent of the casualties. Later there will be a

sad story to tell of material losses, but at the moment the only thought is for the sad wastage ol human, life and the grief of families bereft of loved ones by the most terrible visitation of its kind that the Empire has ever experienced.