CASUALTIES MOUNT APPALLINGLY

Hawera Star, Volume L, 5 February 1931, Page 9

CASUALTIES MOUNT APPALLINGLY

DAMAGE AT HASTINGS

FOUR HOSPITAL TRAINS

Difficult Work of Estimating Dead MAY BE MONTH BEFORE ALL BODIES RECOVERED Rescuers Broken by Dreadful Spectacles Napier People Show Wonderful Fortitude (ißv Telegraph—Press Association.) WELLINGTON, Feb. 5. Further reports from the “Evening Post” representatives in the earthquake area received by their newspaper and the Press Association indicate that it will be a long time before the full details of the Napier death-roll are available; the names and particulars must wait until certainty is established. . Ten dead have already been recovered from the Old People's Home, which collapsed- Four people were killed bv the breaking down of the brick cathedral, while at 4" lie morning service. In Dr. Moore’s hospital there waj a fatality and a girl at the Union Steamship Office was killed at Avork. It is o-cue rally believed that there arc some cars and o c cup ants °b ene ath the great slips round the Bluff. Sin ole instances of people, including many women and children, being instantly killed by the collapse ot homes, are common. The town is one vast desolation, with the living in search of the dead. It will be a month before all the corpses can lie recovered Energies are mostly being devoted to getting out those who seem to have a chance of surviving. From the look of their homes it is known that there are many people under buildings which will take days to remove from above til 0111 It is estimated that £2,500,000 of damage has been caused in the citv area alone and some people are wondering whether tackling the rebuilding of Central Napier is worth Avhile. x ' . , Men who saw the war through and were there lmiiecl to the frightful sights A\ r ere frankly broken bj the dreadful injuries seen yesterday Avhen removing the dead and injured. EA r eryone has a tale to tell of miraculous escapes or pathetic fatalities. . One of the most remarkable escapes Avas at the Napier South Boys’ High School, where some 200 hoys had just been taken out on the parade ground. When the shake occurred the headmaster (Mr Foster) came running out of the assembly hall literally as it collapsed. A huge piece of masonry appeared to drive him into the earth, but it broke in two,” half-a-ton falling on either side of him. When the dust cleared he had merely a bruised leg. In the tobacco factory at Port Ahuriri, Avhere 50 girls were employed, only one Avas Avounded. The shock was followed by fire Avlii'ch, with a high Avind, spread Avithout check because the tOAvn’s water supply had been cut off by the burst of pipes. A single fire-engine played sea Avater on the nearest buildings, but for the most part the brigade, as avcll as the owners, Avas powerless. . Too much cannot be said of the splendid spirit of the Napier people and the greatest admiration is expressed for the conduct of the women in the face of harrowing scenes.

TRAPPED IN CATHEDRAL

GENERAL INQUEST AT NAPIER BODIES STILL BEING FOUND. THREE EMERGENCY MORGUES. WELLINGTON, Feb. 5. A general inquest on the dead was held at Napier at 2 p.m. yesterday m the courthouse, acting as a morgue. Thirty-four bodies were laid out, ot which 2d were identified, as follows: Frederick Macarthur, aged 50, married, telegraphist. Louisa M. Bickerstaff, 39. Frances M. Boyd, of Epsom, Auckland. Bertram Ogilvie, 14, of Hastings. John E. Cun ham. Raymond Robertson, 14 (son or ‘ Archibald Robertson). Derek Freedman, 20. Winnie M. Skelton. Martha Elridge. Rose J. Leverett (daughter of Albert Leverett). Alexander Walker. Airs G. O. Tripney and child (wife of Constable. Tripney). Mary Brandon. 20, of Woodville. Jane Haines, .54, nurse. Eileen Williams, 19. Elsie Keys, 30. Mrs I/. T. Bisson. Miss Bennett. A Technical School hoy named Robertson. Margaret Patient, married. Marjory Insull, 22, of New Plymouth . George Plank, 67. John Davidson. Alfred J. Nonner, 54. Mary J. Lenihan, G 4, wife of Patrick Lenihan. There are two more emergency morgues, in which unidentified bodies are lying. Parties are still finding bodies crushed in the shopping streets.

WOMAN PINNED BY GIRDED. DOCTOR GIVES MORPHIA. NAPIER, Feb. 5. One of the most pathetic of the many heart-rending incidents attending the earthquake occurred in St. t John’s Anglican Cathedral, in which a, Communion service wag- being conducted by Very Rev. Dean Brocklehurst when the shock came. There was a fairlv large congregation ana the shock came with terrific suddenness, and the whole building, which was of brick, crumbled to the ground and caught several of the congregation. A large girder struck Mrs Tom Barry, senr., pinning her to- the floor. Her son saw her plight and did his best to release her, without avail. The efforts of others were also fruitless. Then the building caught fire and flames swept close to Mrs Barry, and bv this time those around her were playing a hose on her and the timbers around". Then it was seen that rescue was impossible and as a last resort a doctor rushed to the aged woman and gave her a strong injection of morphia. rt is believed that others were buried in the ruins of the cathedral, which was regarded ns a particularly fine structure. Dean Brocklehurst was very seriously injured and liis condition is stated to he critical. A curious sight was presented after the upheaval by the war memorial in the cathedral grounds. This is a. large, cross -in stone and in spits of the fact ( that every other monument in the | town was either broken or torn out of place the- cross stood erect and unscathed. EVACUATION OF NAPIER RAILWAY PREPARATIONS. WELLINGTON, Feb. 5. j The railway line has been temporarily repaired to Hastings and traffic is being worked to that point. Rolling stock from all parts of the North Island is being assembled at all available places- along the line in readiness to carry outi the work of evacuating Napier. “BADLY KNOCKED AEOUT” HAVELOCK NORTH’S FATE. WELLINGTON. Feb. 5. Among the refugees here is a parly who were in camp at Havelock North which they say has been badly knocked about. “Wa were walking on the beach ana the sand came up to meet us.” said the mother of two children. “We. saw big cliffs slipping down and cracks opened in the beach.” They camped on the bills at night, fearing a. tidal wave. DRIVE FOR CLOTHING ACTION IN WANG A NUT. WANGANFT. Feb. 5. The Wanganui Ministers’ Association met this morning and decided to provide accommodation for 1000 refugees, and organised drives to be made throughout Wanganui for clothing.

MORE HASTINGS DEAD TWENTY FURTHER NAMES. WELLINGTON. Feb. 5. Amendments and additions to the list of Hastings dead are: Lilian Jenkins, aged about 20 years. Brian Hooper, aged 22 years. Eugene Brace. Thomas Gill. Miss iTolughan (Hastings). Miss Gladys Alma Clearv. Mrs D rurnmond. Mrs D. R. Ross. It a v Graham. William Pool. Mrs Constance Horseley. Airs F. B. Coles and two little hoys. Rodney Lews. Ross Hugh McDonald. Mrs McDonald. John A. Ross. Ray Grohnrd. Thomas William Goodall. SEA-BED AT NORMAL DEPTH CUArBERLAND TAKES SOUNDINGS WELLINGTON. Fob. 5. According to> soundings taken by the Cumberland the sea-bed four miles off Nanier is at its normal depth, 14 fathoms. The Cumberland arrived here this morning.

CO'MPEEITENSIVVB SURVEY

RESEMBLANCE TO WAR-STRICKEN AREA. WELLINGTON, Feb. 5. The Press Association agent at Hastings sent the following message by aeroplane: ‘‘The whole of Hastings is in ruins and resembles a war-stricken town, with a heavy toll of life and property, but gallant efforts are being made to preserve the Avell-being of the afflicted people. Broad streets arc littered Avith the debris of demolished buildings mingled with the contents of business houses. There is the tragic uncertainty of how many bodies lie beneath the piled up masses of lb rick and concrete. Efforts at recovery are being made ceaselessly, citizens taking turns at the terrible task. The Royston Hospital is intact, but its limited capacity is now crowded to overflowing, in addition to 64 patients who are being treated in the. racecourse pavilion. Thirty of these will he sent to Wellington, by ambulance and the remainder to Waipukurau when trains are available. There is adequate medical and nursing staff.

A train arrived this morning from Tokapau with supplies, which are now being distributed under the guidance of a special committee. Food supplies will be a big problem as the business and shopping area is totally wrecked, ft is reckoned that the death roll will be more than doubled when the remaining bodies are reeoA-ered. During the night fire swept a block in the centre of the town, completely gutting the Union Bank_and the National Bank, both of which survived the earthquake. The fire originated in the ruins of the Grand Hotel and a light breeze carried it to the * adjoining buildings. The town is splendidly organised by efficient committees Avhieh are responsible for food, water and patrolling of streets to prevent fires and looting. Citizens rallied willingly to assist the committees in every wav. All brick buildings have perished while those of reinforced concrete or wood, except ,in the centre of the town, escaped more lightly, though the damage even there is enormous. Shortage of water this morning was a difficulty. The National Bank is now a shell, only four Avails standing. All food supplies and benzine haA'e been commandeered and rationed. A hope is to get Avater shortly. Another sharp shock at 5.15 o’clock last night completed the destruction of some buildings. Only a feAv were injured in private houses. Slight tremors continued during the night and morning at frequent inter Avals. The massive Hawke’s Bay Farmers’ building is intact without. oven a minute crack. An aeroplane seivice has been requisitioned by the Post- Office to carry messages, leaA-ing at 2 o’clock daily. Good Avork was done last night by electricians, who fully lighted the main street, thus making patrolling, easier. The gas supply is cut off as it is dangerous. The streets are roped off and many buildings are in a state of imminent collapse. It is suspected that the greatest number of missing are buried under Roach’s store, Westerman’s store, and the public library and the ruins of the Post Office toAver. Fifty persons Avere on the ton floor of Roach’s store Avhen the earthquake occurred but it is unknown how- many escaped. The HaA-elock bridge collapsed, -carrying AA’ith it the means of Hasting’s waiter supply. The council lias pumps- filling tanks on trollies for distributing as much water as possible. ELEOTEIC POWI-7R, AVAILABLE. The municipal buildings and'theatre are still standing and the. poAver house is in commission. The Public Trust office is intact but the Hasting’s. “Tribune” buildings opposite are completely Avrecked and the chief reporter named Ryan is among the missing. All the rest of the staff miraculously escaped except a lino typist named Bluett who was injured. The Post Office is a. mass of ruins. The Methodist Church is. levelled to the ground. The Anglican Church is very slightly dam-1 aged, as also is the Catholic Church. The Presbyterian Church has lost its spire. Many acts of heroism are recorded. Toni; Gills, an auctioneer, Avas buried in debris Avliilst carrying out an unconscious Avoman. The casualty list would luu-e been appalling if the streets had been narrower, as the Avails, fall-, ing outwards, did not reach the centre of the road, leaA'ing it a croAvded safety zone. The Ha\-elock North residential area, in which there are several mansions in concrete and stone, escaped damage other than from fallen chimneys. Brick shops in the toAvnship suffered the same as Hastings. It is impossible to make an estimate with any accuracy of the total financial loss occasioned by the disaster but damage in Hastings alone Avill amount to £11,000,000. Large numbers, of cars AA-ere crushed to shapelessness by fallen masonry and in some instances'tho occupants were killed.

BUTCHERS AND BAKERS ACTIVE. Bakers will start work here to-day. At present there are 5000 loaves available. Two butchers shops are open today in makeshift premises. Te Ante College had one wing shaken down and the other destroyed by fire. The girls' college lona, and. Wood food College at Havelock North, have been damaged considerably by fallen chimneys. Both buildings appear to be habitable but need a thorough survey before the scholars reassemble. Residents, living on the banks of the Ngaruoro River report that cracks opened up during the shake and many emitted volumes of water. One settler declared that his lain? has risen considerably.

ARRIVAL AT PALMERSTON

APPALLING CASUALTY LIST

PLMERSTON N„ Feb. 5. Refugees are .streaming into Palmerston North and four hospital trains have already arrived. Eighty-nine cases have been sent to hospital, 20 being reported as in a critical condition. All are badly shocked, many unconscious, and addresses are unuscertainable. A feAv have been identified by papers in their clothes. The* following are the admissions to hospital, details being missing Avhere not stated: Miss Anna Anderson, Napier Park Island Home. Miss Kathleen Mary Ainner, Napier Hospital. Mrs. Bruce Barnett, 28 Cameron Road, Napier. Alexander Burrows, Carlyle Street, Napier. Gordon Black, 14 Jull Street., Napier. Miss Jean Bortlnvick, Napier Hospital. Miss Jessie Baddley, 20.1 Albert Street, Hastings. Frederick E. BoAven, 42 Thompson Road, Napier. . William Blewett, care of Mrs. Whit lock, Havelock North.

The railway bridge at Tomoana is badly out of alignment, the heavy steel rails at one end being twisted and resemble pothooks. A. AND P. SHOW POSTPONED DANNEVIRKE DECISION. DANNEVIEKE, Feb. 5. The Dannevirke A. and P. Show, t'o have been held during the past week, lias been indefinitely postponed. The ram fair is. to he held. BILLETING REFUGEES POSITION AT PA LAI ER ST O X NORTH. AMPLE ACCOMAIOD.mON PROVIDED. Accommodation, has been provided at Palmerston North for 5Q09 refugees from the devasted areas and only 400 had arrived in the town up to a late hour this morning. Numerous offers tb billet refugees have been received from other centres, who will be advised when it is found necessary to transfer some from Palmerston North. Afr. H. ,S. Elliott. Hawera town clerk, was in communication this morn-, ing with the Palmerston North city clerk (Ah'. J. R. Hardie) and was advised of the position. Air. Hardie stated that the accommodation of refugees so far presented no difficulties, hut it was possible offers of billets from other centres would later be accepted. Tn the meantime there was no urgency.

Airs. Emma Berry, f Thackeray Road, Napier. .Tames Butler, Old People’s Home, Napier. Airs. Boswell. Kenneth Brown, Bay View Roan, Napier. Neil Cullen, 03 Harding Road, Napier. Sister Beryl Cullen, Napier Hospital. Douglas Carrington, Hastings. Charles Chattaway, Goldsborougb House, 72 Harvey Road, Napier. Percy Chang, Hastings Street, Hastings. Miss. Kitty Carroll, 008 Beach Road, Hasting*. Sister Cook, Health Department Hospital, Napier. Ronn Carwell Bioko. David Campbell. Mrs. F.lsie Campbell, Napier. Laurence Carver, 21 Chaucer Road, Napier. Nurse Chosterman, Napier Hospital. Keith Kenneth Cuthfield, Health Depavtment Hospital, Napier. Nurse Phyllis Douglas, Napier Hospital. Patrick Joseph Devine, 395 Frederick Street, Hastings. Neville Drake, 39 Napier Terrace, Napier. Andrew Dr inn in, 61 Milton Road, Napier. Mrs. Janet Etheridge, 30 Ash ridge Street, Napier. Miss Alavis Faulkner, 300 King Street, Hastings. William Fulton, Park Island Home, Napier. James Fitzpatrick, Health Department Hospital, Napier.

Finlayson. .. . Airs. W. ,R. Florence Fannin. Napiei Hospital. Marge Thorn Gieorge, nurse, Napier Hospital. Airs. Roma Goodwin, Napier, Airs. Alartha Gibson, Eskdalc. Alay Grant, 910 Duffin Street. Hastings. Hird. a mail about 50. Mrs. lna Alay. Henderson, Spenceri Road, Napier. Annie Hawkins, Meeanee Road, Tara dale. George Haywood, ' Marine Parade, Napier. Airs. Winifred. Hounsell. Van tier Street, Napier. Leslie Hamlin, Napier. Vance JurasoA'ich, Napier. Aliss JeAvell. LaAvrie. James (child), Napier. Fred King, Napier. Leopold -Lewis Kelly, Hastings. Thomas Laliood, 227 Heretaunga Street, Hastings. Airs. Dinah Libby. William Lee, Alnnro House, Napier. Billie Bavin, 13 Bowen Street, Napier. Allan McDonald, Sylvan Road, Hastings. Robert Guthrie Martin, 913 Clive Street, Hastings. John Marshall, 408 Market Street, Hastings. Stuart Norman AlcKenzie, 87 \ igor

Brown Street, Napier. George AlcKenzie, Park Island, Napier. Archibald McGregor, 22 Vigor Brown Street, Napier. Airs. Elizabeth Bradigan, Public Hospital, Napier. Laurie -Murphy, Public Health Department, Napier. Stanley Newland, 309 Charles Street Hastings. John O’Connor, Napier Hospital. Richard Patrick O’Sullivan, Public

DESOLATION AND DESPAIR

NAPIER FIRES NOJW IN HAND,

BURIAL OF DEAD HELD UP. WELLINGTON, Feb. 5. Further advice from the Press Association agent at Napier states that desolation and despair followed the disaster. After the first appa'lling earthquake at 10.45 a.m. fire started: in half-a-dozen places. This morning fire has totally destined what little remained of the buildings and has consumed all stocks. Fortunately there are plenty of sheep, < cattle, potatoes and' fruit available within a few miles. Water is in heavy demand, but artesian wells are supplying the needs. The chief concern is sanitation, medical supplies, including disinfectant and stimulants, and cigarettes and tobacco The fire, which raged all through tin afternoon, was mastered late at night, several lire engines raising salt water. Walls of fire started again at the rear of Emerson Street, but a nearby well gave further water. There is no further fire risk at present. . The area destroyed extends from Milton Road and the Parade along Tennyson Street to the old post office in Hastings Street and to Hersohell Street, thence along to the Masonic Hotel and down the Parade for half-a-mfle, stopping at the rear of the Albion Hotel thence back through Hastings Street and down the northern side of Dickens Street to Dalton Street, thence to Emerson Street down to Clive Square. The only buildings standing in that area are the nett E and D. building; and Dalgety’s. This morning’s outbreak threatened the area from Dalton Street via Dickens Street to Clive Square and back up Emerson Street to Dalton Street.

Apart from half-a-dozen private residences on the hill the fire failed to roach the residential area, where all chimneys are down and houses shifted off their blocks or out of alignment. Both newspaper offices, the post office and three theatres including the Municipal Theatre have gone; also the Masonic, Criterion and Provincial Hotels.

At the port several large stores are down and fire destroyed many others, including the post office. There are clearing stations and camps <n McLean and Nelson Parks, Napier Park, the racecourse and at the town beach. People also camped all night on the lif 11 roads, fearing a tidal wave. 'J'he. town is quiet but the people are stunned hv the immensity of the damage It is difficult to check the fatalities and there is nothing further since the previous message as to identity of the victims. The medical men. are now chiefly concerned.with the- possibility of disease commencing. The fissures in some.roads are two feet wide. No power is likely to be available for some days. The Government supply of 1200 tents and ground sheets and 12,000 blankets has arrived, but with people herded so -loselv together trouble must be anticipated unless sanitary measures are rigorously enforced. 'lt is expected that all supplies wil! be requisitioned and bread is being brought in from the south. All roads north are blocked, hut the couth Road is open. The burial of the dead is at present held ur> owing to lack of organisation and owing to the stupendous task facing the police doctors, nurses and volunteers.

It is impossible to reach accurate coiiclusions. but, to sum up the position, it can be said that the business area of the town is in absolute ruins. Considering the severity of the shock it is a relief to find the death rate is not tenobi what it is. The shock was most distressing. Pianos were thrown about like match boxes and all food in houses and shops vas thrown into a filthy mess on the floors. China is practically non-exist-ent. 'Phe first shake came without waning, the whole place apparently being ’ifted up. This was repeated! lor over a minute and during that shake most of the damage was done. The shakes

during the night -were too frequent to count 7 ranging from minor tremors to severe joltings of some duration. Fortunately the weather holds good, with good westerly breeze blowing. FURTHER HEAVY SHAKES TEMPORARY QUARTERS EVACUATED. ANOTHER' TRAIN LOAD OF INJURED. WELLINGTON, Feb. 5. Shortly after noon to-day the Railway Department received a telephone message from Hastings stating that heavy renewed shakes were taking place, especially at Napier. r l he shakes were so severe that officers at the Napier railway station had had to leave the building until things quietened down. The temporary telegraph office at the station has" also been vacated. A hospital train with a large number of injured leaves Waipnkurau. tor south this afternoon. TRAGIC FEATURES AT NAPIER DISASTER ~AT SCHOOL. HUGE PROPERTY DAMAGE. WELLINGTON, Feb. 5. There are some particularly tragic features of the calamity at the Naoier Technical School. It was the old Technical School which crumbled, while not verv far away was the new building which had stood the earthquake well. But, alas, the children had started the year in the bid one; they had .started that very day (Tuesday). “My hoy began his school year at 9 a.m. and lie was dead at 11,” said one parent. There was a pitiful scone at night as the residents sought slumber on the sands between the line of burning buildings ancl the line of the surf. Fire swept an area from the heart of Napier stretched from the Marine Parade inland to Clive Square, extending on the north to- the foot of Shakespeare Road and on the south to Dickens Street. Scarcely any building on that area survives damage or destruction. All the hanks and most of the hotels have gone; so have the old and new post offices. The public hospital is partly destroyed and several leading nrivate hospitals had to ho evacuated. Prisoners had to be liberated from the gaol and lock-up. 'The Government buildings at the foot of Tennyson Street, including the L finds Department and the Public Works Department, are destroyed, lire completing the work of the earthquake. The Public Trust building is still standing and in the darkness appeared to have escaped the fire.. Dalgetv’s building appears to have withstood the shock and dodged the conflagration. also the Caledonian Hotel, but there are exceptions, and it can be said that a clean sweep has been nmdo of the finest part of Napier. The number of two-storied, threestoried and four-storied buildings mined is too groat to he counted. Ruin seems in love overtaken all bm businesses in the way of efr’anerv. including Birth’s, McGrner’s, Parkin’s, the

Health Department, Napier. All’s. Dorothy Page, London Private Hotel. Napier. Airs. Walter Parsons, Eketalmna. David P'allensen. Airs. Violet Pearce. James Poeock. William Popplewell, Shakespeare Road, Napier. Mrs. ATary Plunket, 1 Smith's Flats, Battery Road, Napier. Elspeth Stewart, care of Salvation A r mv, Napier. Airs. Alice Salmonson, 710 Karamu Road, Hastings. Air. Stevens. James Stevenson, no relatives in New Zealand. Airs. Esther Schofield, 904 Grove Road, Hastings. Aliss Elberta Shrimpton, 101 S Colombo Street, Christchurch. Dolly Saxon. Airs. Win. Alary Scott, 39’ Alilton Road, Napier. Campbell David Smith, care of V» . W. Ankus, Napier. Nurse Grace Tasker, Napier Hospital. Airs. Nellie Truman, Empire Hotel. Napier. James Viclterstaff, 12 Enfield Road. Napier. Leslie John Rattray, Hastings. Jack Ryan, Charlotte Crescent, Hastings. , _ _ T * Aliss Olive Atarjorie Wamok. Napier. Herbert Wisclinowsky. c/o G. AVishnowisky, Power Board, Dannevirke. . TT , Frederick AVilson. Napier Hospital. Jack Wallace, 99 Karamu Road, Hastings. Afiss Florence Webb. Edward Neil Whitten, 23 Raffle St., Napier. Mvra Wall. . William Vouii'g, Technical School, Napier. PARCELS FOR RELIEF BODIES free; postage announced. Th© postmaster at Hawera advises that parcels addressed 1 to earthquake relief bodies may he accepted postage free. TELEGRAMS FOR ’QUAKE AREA ACCEPTED AT SENDER’S TUSK. The secretary. General Post Office, Wellington, states that in view of the difficulty in locating addresses ami the partial evacuation, telegrams, for Napier and Hastings can be accepted only at sender’s risk.

DSL., Hannah’s, Hallenstein’s and; tile Hawke’s Bay Farmers. Besides j the Masonic Hotel it is reported that . the Criterion, Central and Provincial j are destroyed. The earthquake shook the Boar \N ai memorial and destroyed the head of the trooper, hut it was recovered and 1 1 aced on the steps. . Napier Municipal Theatre is ruined: also the two picture theatres and newspaper offices. All lawyers office, save one are gone. LOCAL RELIEF MEASURES MAYOR CALLS MEETING. A public! meeting, convened by His Worship the Mayor, will be held m the Hawera Borough Council chambers this evening to discuss earthquake rebel measures and to isetl up a committee. beiiietnottfklGJfl .SiCOMMANDEER OPERATING “NO ONE OWNS ANYTHING IN NAPIER.” The full significance of military law ,vas brought' home to some Napier, businessmen immediately after the ■quake on Tuesday. As soon as they had gathered their wits sufficiently after the shake, the owners of a shop property concentrated their efforts upon saving the stock. They filled thiee motor' trucks with general provisions from the store, hut as they were about to leave a naval patrol arrived and the ofticer in charge said, “Song. hut we shall have to take that stuff.The owners, of course, submitted to the commandeer with good grace. One if them subsequently remarked; It is no use worrying; no one in Napier, owns anything. Everything belongs to the community and the only thing to fie done is to help each other oat ol this mess.” FARMERS’ UNION HELP DONATION AND APPEAL. The question of helping refugees and sufferers by the earthquake was considered at'the Farmers’ Union (South Taranaki) executive’s meeting to-clay and it was resolved to open a subscription list. The executive decided to make a donation of £lO and to ask branches to contribute. The secretary announced also- that be had a donation of £o from Mr. and Airs. El J. Betts. . A vote of sympathy was carried with the sufferers' in the earthquake and with all who had lost friends or relatives in the distaster. GIFTS OF FOOD RESPONSE TO AY'.D.F.U. APPEAL. This morning a lorry laden with food supplies left Hawera for Palmerston North. The truck, which was driven

by Messrs L. Preece arid R. Hooker, ox Matapu, carried food which bad been obtained as the result- of an appeal issued by Airs. E. Carter, president or tiie local branch of the W.iv.F.L. Ihe gifts made through this channel were as follow: xUangatoki dairy factory, crate of cheese and box of huttei , Elthain factory, box 6i butter; Normality, crate of cheese; Joll’s, crate of cheese, box or butter; Riyerclale, crate of cheese and oOlb of biscuits, Hawera factory, crate of cheese and box of butter; Farmers’ Co-op., two ,arge tins of biscuits. Aiatapu, Mangatoki, Te Roti and Norman by schools are making collections of eggs. These will be ciatecl and despatched to the Rod Cross rooms at Hawera. , „ . After delivering supplies at 1 almerston North the truck will be driven through to Hastings, where it will be offered for use in transporting refugees. GIFTS OF CLOTHING GENEROUS RESPONSE TO APPEAL Donations of clothing of every description were received by the Red Cross Society this morning, and the appeal, issued only last evening, lias been remarkably generous. A band of helpers is engaged in sorting out the various articles and the Red. Cross room will be utilised as a receiving and clearing depot. Numerous offers have been received to billet refugees, and houses and beach cottages have been placed ati the disposal~'of the society." Offers of food particularly cheese, butter and eggs, continue to pour in. Alessrs Elgmont Tourist Motors, Ltd., have afforded relief workers the use of a charabanc in 1 any capacity desired. RELIEF FROM MANAIA TOAVN BOARD~OPENS FUND. The town clerk, Manaia. advises that the Town Hall has been opened as a receiving depot for earthquake rebel necessities such as food, clothing, etc. AH donations of such necessities must be left before S a.m. on Saturday, as the lorry to convey such articles to the stricken area will leave Manaia immediately after S a.m. A subscription list ! has been opened at the office of the Town Board and residents are asked to hand any donations to the town cleric.