A TOWN OF DEAD

Hawera Star, Volume L, 5 February 1931, Page 6

A TOWN OF DEAD

LEVELLING OF HASTINGS RESIDENTS’ NIGHT OP TERROR many pitiful inc idents. HASTINGS, Feb. 4. Hastings was a town of death last night. ” Beneath its ruins lay the bodies of dozens of men, women and children, but it will be impossible to estimate the death roll until the many bereaved families are able to report with certainty that members of their households will not return. A total of 39 bodies had been recovered by this morning, but it will be days before a reliable estimate can be made. Cut ofl from the outside world through the severing of the communications at the moment the earthquake occurred, the town did not learn until nearly midnight that its plight was unknown beyond its own immediate precincts. Throughout the day and far into the mgTit the peopre underwent a terrifying experience, for from the moment at which the upheaval shattered the district and buried beneath the ruins of the town hundreds of those who were shopping, the earth heaved at frequent intervals. At each successive shake buildings quivered and added heaps of debris to the piles that already crushed the remains of hundreds. It* was with cruel suddenness that the first and most devastating shake occurred shortly before It o’clock in the morning. "Within a minute, or even less Hastings had been almost completely razed to the ground. The town was full of shoppers and they were caught like rats in a trap. Buildings of several stories crumpled as il swept aside' by the hand of a giant, and before the horrified people had a moment to realise what had happened (hey were surrounded by the wreckage of what had a moment before been a flourishing centre.

With one mighty upheaval Hastings became a vast oharnal bouse. Its streets were dust-filled gullies into which sank the remains of shops and stores. Three-storied buildings crumbled with a deafening roar, vomiting great masses of debris m all directions and trapping those who crowded both streets and shops. Heretaunga Street, the main thoroughfare, was transferred into a gully of destruction beneath whose ruins could be heard the cries of women and children, but which died within a few minutes to give place to a silence such as might creep over some alpine slope after the passing of an avalanche. The destruction was complete. It seemed that even time itself had been obliterated by the upheaval, as for one horrified moment the whole town was wrapped in a deathlike silence, The upheaval had come without warning and its momentary passing left everyone spellbound. Dozens who had rushed out of buildings were buried beneath bricks and mortar as soon as they gained the footpaths. Even had they remained inside there would have been no escape. The staffs of drapery and other stores were crushed beneath the whole weight of buildings as they stood at the counters and those they were serving shared a like fate. It is feared that the loss of life at Bondi's store, one of the largest in the town, will prove the most serious, as it is reported to-night that many of the girl employees had not been seen since. As was the case with other buildings throughout the whole town, the roof of this four-storied strueutre is almost flat with the ground and its only support is the great pile of bricks that once went to make up walls. 1

The centre of all streets was littered within a few moments with a tangled mass of telephone and electric light wires, verandah poles, great masses of concrete, and furniture hurled front shops and offices. A constable who rushed from the police station immediately after the shake was confronted with the sight of a. young girl sitting near the road with her legs severed below the knees. From every direction came the screams of men and women. Some children were crying piteously beneath the ruins of the Cosy Theatre. Nothing could be done for them, and it was not long before they wore swallowed up in the flames that engulfed the area.

i hose who hud escaped tore frantically at tiic piles or debris covering people who had been standing neai them when the shock occurred. Rescues were made in many instances with debris railing on every .side. The escapes were remarkable. Some people were thrown right into the street to get up and walk away almost unhurt. A porter in the Grand Hotel was on an upper floor. The shock threw the whole building into the street, and the porter went with it. He was recovered some time later little tire worse for the experience. The pioprietor, Mr Ross, was trapped in a cellar, and it is thought he would have been safe until eariy next morning, when fire swept the street and consumed what remained of the building.

Many motor cars were buried as they stood beside the kerbs, and in several instances their occupants were engulfed with them. Every few yards there was to be seen it motor car smashed beyond repair and the wreckage of some had been laid hare by the frantic efforts of police and civilians to effect rescues.

It was impossible to stand on one’s feet during the moment of the shock. Two elderly women were thrown completely under a car and they were severely injured, although they escaped with their lives. One man was trapped beneath a great pile of bricks from I I o’clock In the morning until 7 o'clock in the evening, and although injured, lie greeted his rescuers with a smile. It is believed that dozens of bodies are lying beneath the hopeless tangle where once stood the public; library. The building was full of people when rlie shake occurred. Few acre able to run clear and the whole structure collapsed on staff and readers. A band of workers spent a great part of the day clearing away piles of rubbish, but the task was hopeless and finally abandoned alien it was realised that no-one could be alive.

The serious general position being realised, numbers of citizens offered rbeir serviecw to the police and. with members of the police force staff, they were responsible for wonderful work until practically dawn. Order was maintained in the to am and rescue bands organised and .supervised. Great credit must go tec tllie police and to the members of the fire brigade for wonderful rescue, work amid falling buildings. Following close upon the earthquake ■parts of the town were swallowed up in flames. Fire raged in several great piles of debris and spreading to buildings that bad not been greatly damaged. it swept- through them unchecked. Fire raged through the town all day and it was quite impossible for the brigade to stop it 1 spreading.

Shakes of various magnitude occur red with little interruption and at about nine o’clock in the evening thousands of people in the wrecked streets were struck motionless by another shake almost as heavy as. the first disastrous upheaval. This cut off what water supply the town had had up to then and the fire raged with even greater vigour. None would go inside buildings, and those who arrived at Hastings late at night were appalled at the sight or half-demented women aimlessly wandering the wrecked streets and asking people, indiscriminately if they had seen husbands or children.

As the night advanced tlie. stricken town became lighted with the hopeless j glow of it sown funeral pyre. The. re-' iiection could be seen for miles. Lighting and gas services were cut off earlier in the day, but the raging fire illumined the remains of the town and showed in pallid relief the faces of men and women who still lingered over piles of debris beneath which it was thought were buried their relatives or their friends.

There was no thought of sleep. At two o’clock in the morning small children still stood about the streets, but later beds were made un on vacant sections or in the parks. Families refused to return to their houses and mattresses: were taken into the centre of the roadways for the night. What damage was done by the earthquakes was rapidly supplemented by the fire. The Bank of Australasia was apparently little damaged by the shock, bufl the flames reached it in the early hours of the morning and left it a gaunt shell. Wooden buildings had fared best, and it was particularly noticeable that the Albert and Carlton Hotels stood safe and une.racked to all outward appearances. As the dead were recovered the bodies were taken to the morgue and to the Y.M.C.A., at which places there were 39 bodies by dawn. The injured numbered hundreds and the worst cases were taken to the racecourse tea kiosk. Doctors worked there under most trying circumstances, and serious operations and amputations were carried out without anaesthetics. In the early hours of the morning a doctor with blood-stained coat hacked his way into a chemist’s shop in the town to secure supplies of materials needed. INSURANCE POSITION PAYMENT ON FIRES. SPECIFIC COVER. REQUIRED. Property-owners have no legal claim on insurance companies, unless they are specifically covered for earthquake risk—fire, consequent upon an earthquake—even though such loss is the result of the spread of the fire, and not 'irectly arising out of an earthquake, according to an authority consulted yesterday. That, it was stated, bad been established in test eases.

It was pointed out that that was not necessarily the attitude that companies would take, as it was on record that in disasters similar to that which had overtaken Hawke’s Bay, some British companies had paid! out on ordinary fire policies. It would be for the New Zealand Underwriters’ Association to determine what course would be pursued in this instance. It is understood that during the last two days Wellington insurance companies have been kept busy supplying information as to earthquake insurance to possible clients. ORGANISATION OF RELIEF MANY OFFERS OF ASSISTANCE. SPECIAL TRAIN DISPATCHED. WELLINGTON, Feb. A Doctors Lynch, pathologist, and Gillies, orthopedic surgeon, left last evening; with a. considerable stock or medical and surgical supplies, including splints for fracture cases. The DirectorGeneral of Health. Dr. Watt, accompanied! by several medical officers, left Napier to-day. Before leaving he said it would obviously be necessary to remove many of the sufferers to hospitals in other districts, where sufferers could be given the best attention. Inquiries were being made at all hospitals in convenient localities as to the number of patients they can provide for. This is a necessary preliminary to evacuation from Hawke’s Bay. Two of the Wellington free city ambulances went to the area last night and one from Palmerston North, and a, motor-er, 1 ' went with X-ray equipment. The Railway Department dispatched i relief train fully equipped, at 8.20 last night. It reached Waipuliurau at 1.2.4.5 a.m.. and the gear was transferred to 34 lorries, which left at ouec or Hastings and Napier. This morning a number of insulated wagons left or Hastings to take supplies of frozen meat for the sufferers. Commissioner Cunningham .said this morning that 12 ears filled with bread bad left in charge of Brigadier Macaulay. with Brigadier In)rie, Ensign Mahaffy and four women officers. Thcv had word through Dannevirke saying that their maternity hospital at Napier was wrecked, hut that the officers, patients and babies were safe.

A Red Gross detachment, including Dr. Kerr Hi slop. Sisters Lees and Lewis, live V.A.D.’s, two stretcher bearers, a chemist and X-ray experts •ind equipment, was dispatched last night, taking also 100 blankets and £SO worth of medical stores.

Mr. Brasted, national secretary of •he Y.M.0.A., has gone to the earthquake area to see what the association can do in the way of relief. An offer of assistance by the Wellington Harbour Board was accepted by the Health Department, and 12 employees with Bed Cross training were dispatched.

The British Red: Cross Society has eont the following message to the Bed Cross Society at Wellington: “Please accept- heartfelt sympathy in terrible master. Is there any way we can help t” The Pan-American Society also cabled sympathy, concluding, “Gnu wo help:'”

A ’plane from the Ibmoglai aerodrome, which picked up mail and telegraphies matter at Hastings, developed trouble on the way back anti handl'd ever the matter at Dannovirke. Wires will be transmitted from here. A number of ’-planes are ready for scrvicei, Captain Chandler arrived from Blenheim this morning. Other South Islanders are at Blenheim awaiting instructions. The Cumberland, on route from Auckland to Wellington, put in at Napier to render assistance. The Kaimai. en route to Napier, has been diverted to Gisborne.

Mr. G. C. Black, member for Motueka, has dispaehed tire following telegram to Mr. W. F. Barnard, M.P.. for Napier: “The settlers of the Motueka electorate join with me in extending our regret and sympathy. Having had our own earthquake experience in June of 1929. we fully realise what such a catastrophe means. We do not forget that we had the sympathy and assistance of every other part of the -Dominion. Let me hasten to. assure the People of Napier that wo will do everything possible in this northern part of the South' Island to help on this, occasion. The tobacco growers of this district have asked me to extend to your people their sincere sympathy, realising as ihev do the happy connections they have had with Napier and the extent to which the industry in the Nelson province as been fostered by your town.”

FROM “DAILY MAIL.”

MESSAGE TO PRIME MINISTER

“Great Britain is extremely concerned at the earthquake in New Zealand/’ states the editor of the “Daily Mail in a. cablegram the Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. G. AY. Forbes, received .from him yesterday. “AAR: are entirely at your service' and will publish any message from you that you might think Mr Forbes replied as follows: “The Dominion is deeply stirred by the disaster which lias overtaken two of its most flourishing towns and surrounding district. It is not- possible to state tlic loss of life, but it is believed to be serious and the material damage very great. The extreme severity of the shock has been confined to a restricted area. New Zealanders, true to British courage, traditionally remain calm and resolute, and are determined to assist their stricken fellow citizens to the ifullest extent and to take the earliest possible stops to repair the devastation inflicted by this catastrophe. Many expressions of sympathy and goodwill from beyond our shores have indeed touched us deeply.”

MINISTERS ON SPOT AYORD FROM MR. MASTERS, AMPLE!*MEDICAL- AID. Six Ministers of the Crown arc now in the devastated area. The lions. Ransom, Col)lie, Stallworthy, and Masters, who left Wellington on Tuesday, have been reinforced by the Minister of Public Works, Hon. W. B. Taverner, and the Minister of Education, Hon. 11. Atmore, who left yesterday morning. As soon as telegraphic communication was established with Napier yesterday afternoon, the Prime Minister received the following advice from Mr Masters: “A camp has been cstaulished at (lie racecourse, and medical arrangements are well in hand. Three camps have been established for the injured and homeless, and satisfactory arrangements arc under way. Citizens' committees met at Napier and Hastings, at which Ministers attended. I am satisfied that everything possible is being done to relieve the situation. U.IM.S. Dunedin and other ships are cooperating, and rendering valuable service.

“Ample medical attention is available. The public is bearing its trial in splendid spirit. “Inquest held at Napier at 2 o’clock to-day. The main road to Wairoa is considerably damaged and settlers are. short of food. Arrangements are being made to meet immediate requirements. ’

Advice was also received by the Prime Minister from the Engineer-in-Chief of the Public Works Department. Mr F. AY. Furkert, that AVaikareinoan: would i u; supplying Gisborne and Wairoa with power Ja.st night. Power would be supplied to Napier from Mangahao.

APPEAL FOR FUNDS PRIME MINISTER’S STATEMENT. VALIDATIN' G ~LEG ISL ATION. An appeal for financial assistance to relieve as far as possible the plight of those who have suffered through the earthquake was issued yesterday by the Prime Minister, Right Hon. 'G/ \Y. Forbes. The setting up of relief funds in each oi the centres of population was suggested by Mr. Forbes, who stated that steps would he taken to bring down legislation to validate, donations by local authorities. “In view of the magnitude of the earthquake disaster in Napier and Hastings and surround jug district, and the sad loss of life widespread suffering’, and distress which, have been caused,” said the Prime Minister, “T desire; to issue an appeal to the people of New Zealand for financial assistance to relieve as far a« possible the desperate plight in which so many sufferers have been placed by the catastrophe. ! 'have no doubt that the philanthropic spirit of New Zealanders to assist their fellow-citizens who are in dire need! will ensure a ready and generous response, as was notably the case in connection wth the earthquake in the Nelson and Bui lev district in 1929.

“I would suggest the setting up. of relief funds in each of the centres of population throughout the Dominion, preferably by the municipal authorities and newspaper offices. The Government propose to establish a general fund to be administered by a special representative committee, ’which will be set i?,)' for this purpose, and any moneys received! direct by the Government will be paid! into the Public Account at the Bank of New Zealand to the credit of this fund. A similar course should he followed in respect of donations received by Mayors and local authorities in other parts of the Dominion.

“The hank receipts for such payments should he sent to the Secretary of the Treasury, Wellington, with a covering 'letter setting out details of the contributions, and. in addition to sending the bank receipts to the Treasury. I should also like to he advised by letterof what has been done. Steps will also he taken by the Government to submit legislation to Parliament in due course to validate any donations by local authorities to the Earthquake Fund. ‘‘l. feel there is no necessity for me £> stress the urgency of the matter of financial assistance and T am deeply unnressedi with the generous offers of help already intimated to the Government. Let us all remember in a national disaster such as has lamentably occurred the old maxim that ‘He gives twice who gives quickly.’ ” SI ? FFEi! IN(4 DEEPLY REGRETTED. GOV BRNO II RECEIVES MESSAGES. WELLINGTON, Fob. 4. The Governor has received the following message from the King:—“The Queen and I are much concerned to hear of the earthquake in the North Island involving the loss of life turd damage to property. Please convey our sympathy to those whoso relatives and friends have perished and whose homes have boon wrecked. .1 should like further Information, especially regarding' the injured.”

The Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs has forwarded the following: “Your telegram of February ."> with news of trie earthquake has been 1 received with profound regret, and on behalf of His Majesty 's Government ana the United Kingdom I hasten to express our deepest sympathy with the Dominion and those who are suffering. We have read with the greatest concern the reports of loss of life and of the damage sustained. Please keep us informed as fully as possible.”

From the l Admiral of the Fleet, Earl Tellicoe, the following has been received: “Please express my deepest sympathy with the relatives of those who. have lost, their lives and with the Injured sufferers in the earthquake.”

HOT MUD GEYSER

PHENOMENON ON FARM DEBRIS BAMS RIVER GISBORNE, Feb. 4. On Mr J. Barns Graham’s station at Hangaroa, inland from Gisborne, it lias ,been always known that oil exists in the vicinity, and gas has frequently exuded from, the soil, and after the first shake yesterday a column of hot, slaty-colour-ed mud twenty to thirty feet high, played ii]) into the air and continued until the second big shake subsided, some minutes later, when the geyser ceased. The heat of the blow-out was so intense that a party of men lialf-a-mile away could feel it. The wind at the time was blowing from the direction of the geyser toward the men. The blowout was accompanied by a very loud noise.

Mud from the geyser ran down into the Hangaroa River and so much mud was thrown up that, although almost of a liquid nature, it entirely dammed the river.

AT PALMERSTON NORTH

MANY INJURED IN HOSPITAL

PALMERSTON N., Feb. 4. The following is a list of injured admitted to the Palmerston North Hospital to-day : Douglas Carrington, Allan K. McDonald, James Stevenson. Patrick Joseph Devine, Frederick Edward Bowen. Miss Mavis Faulknor, Mrs Esther Sellolfield. Miss Jessie Badley, Miss Dina Libbv. Miss Elspeth Stuart. Mrs Elsie Campbell, Mrs Roma Goodwin, Mrs Elizabeth Maddigan, Mrs Florence Webb, Mrs Emma Beery, Miss Anderson, Miss Annie Hawkins, Airs Tna Mav Henderson, Mrs Gerturde Barnett, Mrs Nellie Trueman, Mrs May Scott, Miss Marjorie Olive Warwick, Miss Kitty Carroll. Ned Chilian, Herbert AVischnowsky, Charles Chattawiiv, AVilliam Fulton. John Marshall 'Campbell, David Smith, William T. Blowntt. Leslie John Rattray, .Jack Wallis, Miss Grace Tosher. Mrs AValter Parsons, Fred King. Vance .1 urasovich, Gordon Black. Alexander Burrows. Leopold Kelly. Thomas Lalicod. Stanlev Newlands, Laurence Carver, Jack* Ryan. John O’Connor. Fred Wilson, Stewart McKenzie. Edward Whitt on, James Butler. Geo. Hayward. Robert G. Martin, James Gal’ian, Peter Jacobsen. The following are the nurses from the Napier Hospital who were admitted : Sister Ron a Carswell Cook, Nurses Freda Ohesterman. Kathleen Amner, Beryl Cullen, Phyllis Douglas, Thorne George. The following are the children: Mary Grant. Leslie Hamlin. Violet Pearce, Billy Lnvin, Laurie James. WAITING IN VAIN REFUGEES AtTyELLINGTON SOME! POIGNANT SCENES A poignant scene occurred, at Thorndon (Wellington) railway station last evening when the Napier express made a late arrival. For some time men and women had been waiting, anxiously expectant of friends and relatives. Only a few tired and strained-looking travellers, however stepped off the long train. They formed a few quiet groups that soon dispersed almost in silence, but not! before inquiries had been made oi total strangers concerning expected passengers whose faces were missing. The fate of some was established all too definitely and the inquirers quickly turned away. “She is gone.” “He is gone.” was the dull repetition of one young man surrounded by questioners. A few still hopeful stragglers were the last to follow the small band of passengers. “People in Napier are not entirely homeless,” replied a refugee upon being questioned as to the accommodation available. Except in isolated cases, lie said, all the wooden buildings in the residential area were inract. Up to yesterday, when large supplies began pouring in from all sides, Llie main problem was not accommodation but food. That was due to the complete destruction, of the business part of the flown. Yesterday morning, when lie left, the devastated business portion of Napier was being patrolled I:v | dice and naval pickets, and no one was being allowed to approach. A young man resident in Wellington who was spending a holiday afl Napier at the time of the earthquake said lie was in tli<> office of the Marine Department. when the shock occurred, t hose people in the building rushed to the door, where falling bricks and a screening. cloud of dust repelled them.

i hey stayed inside the building in preference to the danger of the street. When the dust had cleared, dead bodies of st, man and two women were seen on the footpath in front of the office. The fear of a. tidal wave spread quickly, so that many people rsm to the hills for safety. Witter was pouring down from the hills from si. broken reservoir. Scarcely a person slept indoors tm Tuesday night for fear of farther earthquakes. Looking dazed stud shocked to the depths of their being, two women refugees who sirrivod on the express train i ild in si slow faltering wsiy, sis though even speech were an effort, of how they had just escaped being caught in their house when the rear part of the house collapsed’. When the ’quake- came they at first did not realise what was happening. Fortunately they were in the front part of the house at) the time, but they began to rush to the back door in si frenzied, hysterical effort to get outside. Then the back chimney came down, and with it the whole of the rear portion of the house, and they were compelled to turn about and reach safety through the frond door. Scenes, in the town itself, they said, were horrifying—-people were buried deep down in piles of bricks, smd to them it seemed that rescue was hopeless.

TRACING THE FAULT. GEOLOGIST'S- ANALYSIS DUNEDIN, Feb. 4. Professor Park, the veteran geologist. states that the major fault runs direct from north of Gisborne to "Wellington, Marlborough and North Canterbury. It forms a wide trough and, the land being fertile, intensive settlement smd msiiu communication lines listvo naturally followed the fault course. The important towns on this fault zone are Gisborne, Wairoa, Napier, (Listings, Waipsiwa, Wsiipuknrnii, Dannevirke, Woodville, Pabiatna, Fketaliunsi, Masterton, Carterton, The Hiitt, Wellington, Kaikoura and Christchurch. Professor Park comments.- “it is singular that along the whole length ol this fault there is no evidence of recent or late tertiary volcanicity, whereas a second great fault, from White .Island to Murchison, lists been (lie scene, of intense volcanic activity from the late tertiary to the present time. The Tarnwera and Murchison ’quakes originated on this fracture. “The present ’quake owes its origin ! to the adjustment of crustal stresses along a fracture that has been inter- J mittently active for hundreds- of ecu- j tunas.” j

READY RESPONSE,

MANY DONATIONS ALREADY

The Prime Minister has received advice that his Excellency the GovernorGeneral (Lord Bledisloe) will contribute £IOO to any appeal the Government might, make for relief funds. The directors of the Bank of New Zealand have given £2500 toward the relief of the sufferers by the earthquake disaster. A donation of £IOOO has been made to the earthquake relief funds by New Zealand Breweries. Lady Myers has donated £SO, and the Timaru Druids £;>

os. \ Wellington Speedways Ltd. at a meeting- yesterday decided to donate 50gns to the fund. James Smith’s Ltd., of Wellington, has forwarded £IOO worth of children’s clothing to be distributed free among deserving eases in the stricken area. The Wellington branch of the Hotel Workers’ Federation last evening decided to donate £IOO for the relief of hotel workers in the Napier and Hastings districts. The president of the federation, Mrs L E. Davies, ami the president of the New Zealand Federation of Hotel Workers, Mr J. Colgate, Were requested to visit Napier and Hastings and help in promoting relief measures. Mr A. Wilson, manager of the Grand Opera House, Wellington, yesterday received the following cablegram from Mr Beaumont Smith, managing director of ,T. C. Williamson Films, from Sydney:, “ Cabled Prime Minister donating £IOO for earthquake sufferers. Please pay cheque. ’ ’ The officers of the Education Department, Wellington, have subscribed for the relief of sufferers from the earthquake the sum of £SO, which includes £23 voted for the purpose by the department’s Recreation' Club Committee out of funds that, were being held for the purpose of the annual staff picnic. The money is being handed by an officer of the department, to one of the relief organisations in Napier to be used i'n providing immediate relief. The department’s boys’ home, Austin Street, donated £1 of tiro sum mentioned from its sports fund.

HELP FOR DISTRESSED. SALVATION ARMY HELP. Among the relief workers in the earthquake stricken area is a group of Salvation Army aid officers who were despatched from national headquarters at Wellington and from various parts of the Dominion the party is receiving funds and clothing to help the distressed in the area. Yesterday 1000 loaves of bread were despatched to the group. Donations have been received by Ensign D. Prince, of Hawcra, who is arranging for the despatch of either, funds or clothing on behalf of all desirous of using the army avenue of as-j sistance. j NORTH; TARtANAKI RESPONSE j In New Plymouth the Mayor (Mr; H V. S'. Griffiths) lias opened a fund,: towards which lie has invited immediate : subscriptons. It was reported last night that the sum of £3OO os had been subscribed,, while a further £39 15s had been collected by the Red Gross organisation there. At Waitara. the Mayor (Mr E. A. George) also opened a subscription list and the .sum of £lO was received promptly. : At Stratford the- Mayor (Mr 1; Thompson) and the Mayoress are ar-j ranging organisation to-day for the despatch of clothing and the Swimming Glob, which is holding a. carnival tonight, is to devote a percentage of the proceeds to the relief fund. ; The Mayor of New Plymouth yostor-] day wired* the Prime Minister offering, the services of a specially selected andl capable and experienced team of organisers for work in the devastated towns, j They were to be self-contained, fully equipped and provisioned, and be ready to go at an hour’s notice. The leading spirits in the movement were Messrs P FJ. Stainton and J. McLeod, who had got everything ready for proceeding, immediately to Hawke's Bay. In the, afternoon the following: wire was received from Hon. S. G. Smith, who had also been apprised of the ■offer: “Thanks for your telegram. At this juncture it is impossible to say whether the services of a team of organisers can be availed of. Your generous offer, however, is warmly appreciated, and is being recorded. Willi arrange for notification to be sent you l if the services of the team arc requir-j eel.” !

Tilt* Legion <if Frontiersmen, through Colonel Bertrand, offered help in whatever way desired. Yesterday the. Prime Minister, Iff. Hoii. G. AY. Forbes, replied by wire : “The Government greatly appreciates the offer of the services of the Legion of Frontiersmen in connection with the earthquake disaster in Hawke’s. Bay. Several Ministers of the Crown are at present in the affected area investigating the position, and we are awaiting information from them as to assistance required. I will advise you later if further help is necessary.” The Department of Health telegraphed that it was unnecessary to accept the legion’s offer immediately, but if the necessity arose the Minister would not hesitate to. take advantage of it.

I Any help needed in the matter of transport by cars lias been offered by the Taranaki Automobile Association. The generous offer of the association I was warmly appreciates!, wired the Hon. j S. G. Smith, aiul lie was. arranging for i it to be recorded and for the association to be notified in the event of its heimr found necessary for the Government to avail itself of the offer. I VERY GENEROUS RESPONSE. (Mr A. 0. Bennett, of Manaia, advised the “Star'' this morning that he had received parcels of food and clothing from as far afield as Wanganui and i Opunako as the result of his invitation ' for donations in the “Star’’ last evening. “The response has been very gonorr us indeed,” stated Mr Bennett,’ ' particularly in view of the short notice given, and if was found necessary to provide two cars for the conveyance of the goods to Palmerston North. Numerous requests to locate relatives were also received, and as far as possible they will be dealt with.” The two car loads, in charge of Messrs F. R. 0. Bennett, R. G. Blair ami T. W. Armitage. left. Manaia for Palmerston North this morning and the drivers will report to the Red Cross | headquarters, Palmerston North, for instructions as to where the goods are lo be delivered. The (Mayor of Bltham (Air Ira .T. Bridger) is opening a fund for earthquake relief immediately. Several donations are alreadv in hand.

RELIEF FROM HAWERA 1

red cross Activity,

The executive of the Hawcra Rod Cross Society were in telephone communication with the Health Department, Wellington, at a lafe hour last evening and were advised that at the moment there were ample food supplies available for the stricken area. Jn the meantime the executive will not forward foodstuffs from 'Hawcra, hut are in touch with the Red Cross Society headquarters and are prepared to dispatch goods as soon as required. The Red Gross office in High Street will be open daily and the executive will welcome donations of goods and cash and any goods will be collected. The office telephone number is 207 G.

Last evening the society, in response to its appeal, received numerous offers for the transport of goods either to Palmerston North, Hastings, or Napier and also a quantity of goods. The following cash donations were also received: Mr Donne £2, Mr W. R. Shaw £l, AJrs McKellcget ss, Afiss Boyce ss, Alary Entwistle ss. The latter sum was collected by a small girl. An appeal for donations for relief funds was made by Red Cross nurses with collection boxes at the racecourse to-day. ESCAPE BLOCKED TRAPPED IN ORUAIBLING' BUILDING. Trapped in a crumbling building in Napier, Air R. Webb, of Delmonte and Patience, Ltd., Wellington, had a narrow escape from injury, if not death. Relating his experiences, iAlr Webb said he was in Ritchie’s sample rooms when the disaster happened. Suddenly the building started to sway, and the roof fell in. He thought that bv jumping out into a right-of-way used forj hauling up goods, he could make an 1 escape. The way, however, was block-, ed by falling debris. He tried to got out! through the front of the building with-] out success. Eventually ho reached the street through a back stairway leading i into the basement of Ritchie’s crockery 1 shop. The dust was so thick that it I was almost impossible to see anything. 1 The main street was a scene of deso- | lation. Building, tramway wires and telegraph polo's were down, the town re- [ sembling an area that had been severe--Ily bombarded. Women anol children were rushing about, the majority making for the beach. ORIGIN OF SHOCK. AIATTER, FOR CONJECTURE. FAULT LIES OFF COAST. WELLINGTON, Feb. 4. Tlie nature and l origin of the shock is at present a matter of speculation and will remain ’.so until iseismological records obtained at tlie Eel-burn observatory and elsewhere are compared andl analysed and until geological experts can make investigation of the affected area.

Preliminary investigations of the. record made show that the oscilliations continued for fully five hours. There were dozens of after shocks and these still continue. Some have been of considerable magnitude, notably one about 5.45 yesterday evening, but generally speaking they are not as 1 big as those after the Murchison ’quake. Measurement of the records -point to the possibility of the centre of disturbance being a little to the east of Napier out to sea. A raising of a bloak of the ocean bed would account for the reported shallowing of the harbour, but wherever the centre it was very Close to Napier. Latest geological survey maps showing fault lines indicate one such, classed as dormant or extinct, just to the west of Hastings and Napier. Slightly further west is marked! an active fault. The whole of the country in fact from the southern extremity of the North fcdnml right along the east coast is marked with a series of faults running parallel to the mountain ranges, hut which if any. of these has been responsible for the disaster cannot, as yet he ascertained.

J STORY FEATURED AT HOME •SYMPATHY WITH NEW ZEALAND. ■ PAPERS DISCUSS THE DISASTER. j LONDON, Jan. 4. | The newspapers feature lengthy messages from New Zealand and views of Napier, some attempting dramatic pic- | to rial impressions' based on the descriptions. Editorials voice sympathy with the people. The “Daily Telegraph” states that His Majesty has expressed the feelings throughout the Empire, towards the I Dominion which has stiffened a blow; lof appalling magnitude hitherto tmj thought of in the province of Hawke’s Bay. The danger zone there is a line I of crustal weakness running; north-east 1 from the volcanies, hut this heads way ji'rom Napier towards the Bay of Plenty. Auckland seemed if anything to bo nearer the danger zone than Napier. I Prediction wars -falsified and! the blow J was struck where it was least expected.

) The “Morning Post’’ states; that the first presumption was that the earthquake was of volcanic origin, but ap- ! pearances may he misleading, The “Daily Mail” eays: “We do not forget what the splendid people of New | Zealand did for the Empire in the war time. We lament the dead andl pray i for the injured. If there is need for .financial aid, as it would seem there i must be, the people here, however hard the times, be, are eager to help the sufferers, whether by medium of a Lord Mayor’s fund or a vote of Parliament.” I “The ’J’imes” in a leader says: “In coping with the present emergency New Zealand can ho counted; on to show the courage and. energy of which it has already given many proofs in peace and war. There will be no hesitation and no. stint in the help given the inhabitants of tile, .two cities laid in ruins and other towns and villages which suffered less severely. Everything, that can be clone for thorn will he done. Other papers refer to the disaster similarly. The city editor of “The Times” says that the news of the earthquake has depressed New Zealand stocks. The registration of the earthquake at Kew was twice the amplitude of the 19*29 disturbance.

OFFER FROM REFORM. ME COATES LEAVES FOR. SCENE. AUCKLAND, Fob. 4. An offer of co-operation lias been made by the Right Hon. J. G. Coates, leader of the Opposition, to the Prime Minister: “In this hour of disaster and sorrow for our fellow-citizens in Napier and elsewhere, my party and I send to you and through you to those who are left and those who are suffering our sincere sympathy and deep concern. Wo will he glad to help you in providing* measures and men for the relief aiul help of all those who have suffered.” All* Coates left. Auckland to-niglit to visit the scene of the earthquake.

TARANAKI VICTIMS

FORMER NEW PLYMOUTH j RESIDENTS. Among the earthquake victims reported as identified is Nurse JVLirjory Insull, daughter of Mr and Mrs H. 'V. Instill, who was killed at Napier when the hospital and nurses’ home collapsed. Mr and Mrs insull left New Plymouth for Napier yesterday morning. Miss Insull was for some years on the watt of the Lands and Survey oil ice at New Plymouth and Nelson and recently re«igned her position to* take up nursing. She was an only daughter. Mr Alfred Eonuor, aged 55, who has been killed in Napier, is the father of Miss A. M. Bon nor, exchange attendant at the New Plymouth post office. Miss Horton, the daughter of Mr T. Horton, superintendent of Pukekura Park, is reported to be missing. Miss Horton is a nurse at the Napier hospital. Mr Horton left New Plymouth r,y car yesterday afternoon for Napier. AUSTRALIA’S SYMPATHY RELATIVES’ ANXIOUS INQUIRIES WARSHIP AWAITING ORDERS. (Tjuited Pm.«s Association —By Electric Telegraph OopyngUtJ. SYDNEY, Feb. 4. Dr. Notton, Professor of Geology at Sydney University, is of opinion that u subsidenue of tho sea floor eastward of New Zealand in a deep trough on the line of seismic action which partiallv encircles the Pacific was the probable cause of the Hawke’s Bay disaster. < , „. The New Zealand Government oltice at Sydney continues to be besieged by anxious relatives of people living m tiie strciken districts. bchmitt. Government Agent, reports that- he has~v_, received many generous otters of assistance including a special performance e at bt. James' Theatre. Representatives of various foreign countries have visited Mr Schmitt conveying official expressions' of sympathy. The State Governor, Sir Philip Game, called at, the ortice and expressed personal symipathy. Lady Game and son leave toi morrow in the Aorangi to visit New : Zealand. , . , Brief official bulletins posted m the Government office window are read eagerlv by seekers of news. North Sydney and other municipal bodies last, mo-ht passed resolutions or sympathy with residents in the stricken area. The Assembly to-day, on Mr. J. !• Lang’s motion, carried an expression of sorrow at the great tragedy. | The “Sydney Morning Herald says-. “While as in most similar cases the first reports of the casualties and damage in the disaster were probably considerably exaggerated, it is undoubtedlv serious. Australia offers heart-felt svmpathv to the sufferers and the bereaved. The unheralded character of an earthquake visitation increases the horror of it and when the earth begins to quiver man is liable to become a prey to confusion and dismay. Napiei 1 with fortitude escaped these manifestations; therefore, we temper our regrets with compliments.” . The Australian Workers Tjmon convention, sitting at Sydney passed a special resolution of sympathy to-day and decided to contribute £IOO to txi 'New Zealand earthquake relief fund which it is probable the Commonwealth Government will launch. Miss Copplestone, the New Zealand swimmer here, states that two ot her friends are reported killed, Mi. r. Rattray and Mrs. McLeod. I A number of women’s eyes filled with tears among the inquirers after relaI tives in Napier, Hastings and Tara--1 dale about whom there is ominous - | silence. They invaded the newspaper I offices and waited hours to-day for the (names ot victims. A distracted mother, Mrs. Jones, awaits news ot three children at Napier, while Captain O. J. Lake, former harbourmaster at Napier and now residing at \\ ah'roonga, near Sydney, has large- properties in the ruined district, I The Commonwealth Government has cabled to the New Zealand Governiment offering the services of an Australian warship in the belief that trained naval men might be of gieutassistance in the devastated areas m preserving order, maintaining essential services, and rendering help in whatever wav the local authorities desire. The Prime Minister, Mr. Senllin gives an assurance that a cruiser winch is now in Hobart waters would be at Napier three days lienee. He is awaiting a reply from the Dominion Government.

SHOCK LAST NIGHT GISBORNE PEOPLE ALARMED. .GISBORNE, Feb. 4. A fairlv sharp shock was experienced at Gisborne about e. quarter to five tins evening, and sent large numbers of people, who arc very nervous after yesterday’s big shakes here, running into the streets. SHOCKS RECORDED IN INDIA DISTANCE OF 6000 MILES. DELHI, Feb. 4. Earthquake l shocks of great intensity, were recorded, at Bombay and Calcutta early yesterday morning at a distance of 6000 miles. They are believed to be those of the New Zealand earthquake.