POSITION IN NAPIER IMPROVES

Hawera Star, Volume L, 7 February 1931, Page 7

POSITION IN NAPIER IMPROVES

Tremors Reported To Be Slackening POST OFFICE AND RAILWAYS RESUME BUSINESS Nerves of the People Still in Bad Condition (By Telegraph —Press Association.) WELLINGTON, Feb. 7. The Press Association Agent at Napier in a message timed 8.30 p.m. on Friday states that a few slight shocks were felt that afternoon and that if the slackening ot tremors was any indication conditions liad improved. The weather is fine and the parks are now more than half evacuated. Women and children and unfit men aie being sent away, but fit men are being refused permission to depart, the police calling for workers for clearing the debris and also patrols for night duty. There is no intention of introducing martial law, the police say ; on the contrary, such a step is neither necessary nor advisable as all are behaving splendidly. Repot Is of shootings are officially contradicted. Wonderful work is being done by volunteer workers and will probably result in the prevention of an outbreak of dreaded typhoid as at present the town is clean and indications point to the fight being successfully concluded. The work of dismantling dangerous buildings is proceeding with precision and the debris carted away. As an indication of the organisation it can be stated that all houses on the flats have been provided with iron for i oof repairs, which are proceeding. The work of reorganising the National Tobacco Company’s building started to-day, 150 men being employed. The “Daily Telegraph” is to erect temporary premises as soon as possible. That paper has issued a small sheet daily since Wednesday, two editions being printed to-day. Another fairly strong shake occurred at 7.50 p.m. The trains have commenced and an express train leaves in the morning for Wellington, but the passengers will be mostly refugees who have been granted tree transport. Owing to the fire station being burned out the engines are stationed near salt water wells in various parts. Whilst every house has been more or less seriously damaged, most are habitable, but the nerves of the people refuse to permit their occupation and in most eases the people are still sleeping out. Water is now more plentiful. The postal people have overcome mail difficulties, but there are no letter deliveries owing to many being away from home. The telegraph department is now operating almost up to normal. A money order office has been opened, where withdrawals are the only business being done. Electric light is available at the post office, parks and roads leading thereto, creating a greater feeling of security.

SITUATION IN NAPIER RESIDENTS IN GOOD HEALTH. AMPLE FOOD AVAILABLE. NAPIER, 3 Feb. 7. The pressure on the medical men is considerably relieved and relief is now given to those who have .been on duty tsinoe Tuesday. All visiting doctors k have been advised that their services will be required for at least another three weeks, when the position will be. reviewed It is stated that the health of tlie remaining residents is excellent and officially that 5745 people were evacuated bv the transport department under Captain Finlayson. Other departures by private cars must' total an equal numliei. Very few women and children are. now ieft in the, ruined city and 200 refugees left by exprtetss train this morning, including Mr. J. W. -McDougall, the veteran journalist, who has *been incapacitated for 10 months. Supplies of T.A.B. antityphoid serum are on hand or arriving and it is ho-pcd to avoid an outbreak by vigorous regulation. _ A system of police patrols is in force continuously, but there have been no outstanding offences against the law of decency. The education hoard office is opening to-day and all teachers have been asked to report, as two schools are available for pupils remaining in the district. Most of the residents got a splendid night’s repose last night, there being no perceptible shake between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m.„ but at each end of which period there was a violent ’quake. . Threatened rain last night gave way to sunshine to-day, hut the weather has taken a chilly turn. The work of demolition is still proceeding with navylike precision. The food . available is ample and the shock stricken people have nothing but admiration for what they term a mixaclle in feeding s uoh a large, sorely pressed people.. The Telegraph Department’s organisation has resulted in all work being brought up to date and any delays m delivery of telegrams were due to the absence or the who have failed to inquire for messages. SURPRISE FOR WAIROA \ NAVAL PARTY ARRIVES. WAIROA, Feb. 7. People last evening were surprised at the sudden arrival of aeroplanes and the liner Northumberland with a naval party and wireless equipment. Commander Rrpton waited on the Mayor .and informed him that as a result of messages received he had come with astaff of 14 men and two doctors to establish victualling and medical services. The Mayor informed him that though the town was financially ruined and the business portion had collapsed, tho homes were still habitable. Electric light has been restored and a modified water service is available. The road exit to the north is normal, hut the southern exit will be blocked for some time. The town’s concern is now the risk of a total collapse of the Wairoa traffic bridge, which carries the waer and electric mains. The sanitary service, is satisfactory and food supplier not unduly scarce. The people are wonderfully calm and getting back to normal. . Restoration of the town b impossible without national financial assistance. Excellent weather and warm moonlight nights enable the people to sleep outdoors in comfort and safety.

GISBORNE RAILWAY. LITTLE DAMAGE REPORTED. GISBORNE, Feb. 7. The Public Works engineer at Wai.roa reports that very Jittle damage has been done to the railway line between then l and Napier, the bridges and viaducts being intact. He reports damage to. tunnels, due to falls of earth at the entrances, which may not be serious. The “Herald's’' relief fund totals £2047.

SPEEDY REHABILITATION OOiMM-LSSTONER’S SUGGESTION. WELLINGTON, Ebb. 7. Only four shocks were recorded ot Ivelburn for the 24 hours, till 10 a.m. to-day, none being pronounced. Commissioner Cunningham of the Salvation Army has returned. In Ins opinion further evacuation is, not to be encouraged except where it concerns people who have been unnerved. He thought rather that everyone should be encouraged to remain and get to work as rapidly as possible getting the houses in order, the debris cleared and business re-etsablished. He to'ldi the Mayor of Wellington that if he had his way to money for putting right Salvation Army properties lie would start on Monday morning, it onlv to set an example to others.

“INSULT TO CITIZENS.” DENIAL OF MARTIAL LAW. WELLINGTONfi, Feb. 7. Emphasising denials by tho Lands Minister that martial law is in force in Napier and Hastings, Hon. A. J. Stallworthy lias sent the following today to- the Premier: “The Press headlines regarding martial law are a criminal insult to Napier and Hastings citizens, whose fortitude and heroism under the undescribable calamity arc truly wonderful. Please contradict this ridiculous statement. The general behaviour and co-operation of rite people compel iny unbounded admiration; everything that can be done is being accomplisheo in an orderly and admirable way and what was really accomplished reveals a triumph of organisation and hard, self-sacrificing work under the greatest of difficulties.”

TRANSPORTED TO WELLINGTON. MANY REFUGEES ARRIVE. WELLINGTON, Feb. 7. A rumour has been spread that refugees have been charged railway fares to come out of tho stricken area, but this is not true. Service cars and shipping also carried refugees -without thought of charge. The rumour lias arisen out of the fact that people making a hurried trip into the area have naturally been charged. Some people hai e not hesitated to take advantage of the fact that have not been charged refugees and have endeavoured to make a free sight-seeing trip. In all 243 refugees and 43 cot cases arrived at Wellington yesterday by rail and sea. The Ruapehu disembarked about 100. fifiie first division of the Napier express arrived at 8.30 p.m. and tho Lyttelton fc-rrv -was delayed to allow south-bound passengers to connect. The second division arrived at 11 p.m. Tlv're were SO cot cases aboard. A special hospital train arrived at 4.30 tnis morning with 30 cot cases and <l3 refugees.

GEOLOGISTS TO INVESTIGATE. EXAMINATION OF COUNTRY. WELLINGTON, Feb. 7. The seismological records obtained at the Dominion Observatory and elsewhere place the epicentre of the 'quake to the north of Napier and off the shore at a distance. Readings of the aftershocks place them as occurring on a fault line running roughly from Hastings to Wairoa.

The Department of Scientific and Industrial Research dispatched to-day three geologists, Drs\ Henderson and Marshall and Mr Ongley. Dr Henderson and Mr Ongley will examine the country to the west; of: the railway line and northwards of Napier, while Dr. .Marshall will concentrate on the shore problems, investigating the harbour and public works difficulties along ttie coast and inland from Cape Kidnappers northwards.

NEW PLYMOUTH SUBSCRIPTIONS,

TOTAL REACHES £3OOO. NEW PLYMOUTH, Fell. 7. At noon the relief: subscription lists in New Plymouth had reached a total of £3OOO, including £2OOO in the ‘‘Taranaki Herald’s” list. OAMARU’S CONTRIBUTION. 1 BIG SUM REMITTED. I . OAMARU, Feb. 7. The amount remitted from Oamaru for earthquake relief up to this morning was £1205. The total of contributions to noon was over £I4OO. COLLAPSE OF BLUFF HILL. at least two cars buried. WELLINGTON, Feb. 7. Air G. C. Wilson, sales manager of the motor car department of Wright, Stephenson aiul Co., Ltd., with' his wife had just returned from a run down to Port Ahuriri along the Marine Parade when the 'quake occurred and tho hill came down, missing them by about 40 yards. Air Wilson knew that two cars were following his and must be buried, and also some pedestrians walking on the footpath.

STUPEFIED AND HELPLESS

RESIDENTS BEYOND HELPING. MANY PITIFUL SIGHTS. NAPIER Feb. 6. Although hundreds of people are thronging the school where the post office lias been established asking lor telegrams, very few are living in houses and many are camped in all available open spaces, including the cemetery where tombstones are used as beds. 'This prevents the delivery of messages and inquiries from outside cannot expect, early replies to their telegrams. The fires are all completely out. Money here is useless because there is nothing to buy. Meat and bread are beino- distributed and no one will starve. 'Water is still a difficulty in some quarters, as the mam receiving tank had to be emptied this morning to prevent disaster as it threatened to burst. People were taking water from gutters for all kinds of uses. Under Ministers of the Crown, citizens and ofl'icia'isi of the navy and military are organising as quickly as /possible, but progress is slow. The problem is so enormous that it is difficult to see any advancement being made, but slowly and surely order will be established. Armed guards were picketed at all parts of the town last night and there is no chance now of any serious looting which was noticeable in a small way. The fact that a humour had been spread of a >declaration of martial law had a wholesome effect, hut so far no such steps have been found necessary. The place is crowded with police and members of the various forces. Benzine supplies have been made available, thus assisting in rapid transport. Unwashed men and women, pitiful wrecks, are standing at most places where the wrecking parties are at work. As a general statement it can be said tiiat tlie average resident is beyond helping yet. They .are stupified and helpless. " Strangers can be picked out bv their shaven faces and clean clothes. Supplies and .stores are arriving from Wellington and the distribution is perhaps on the liber all side. Although confirmation has not been given ,it is reported that a reef of rocks has appeared at sea just north of Coote Road. It has never been seen before. The breakers are several vards further away from the sea wall than formerly. In some roads cars have completely disappeared in rents. The appearance of aeroplanes in massed formation over the town seemed lo create a feeling of confidence. The bottom corner of the harbour is undoubtedly raised and even the smallest lighters cannot enter. The Veronica- is imprisoned at the wharf. Shipping is advised that all harbom lights tire out of action. The Dunedin and Diomede are anchored several miles out from the usual anchorage and other vessels still further out to sea The breakwater is reported to he raised two feet but is being used as the printing office of the combined ■papers, which have issued morning and evening a sheet of instructions and a list of dead and injured. REFUGEES IN HAMILTON RELIEF FUNDS EXCEED £2OOO HAMILTON, Feb. 7. At midday the “Waikato Times’ earthquake fund exceeded £2OOO. Over 150 refugees have arrived here and are being billeted privately. OVER £IO,OOO RAISED AUCKLAND DONATIONS. AUCKLAND, Feb. 7. The city’s ’quake relief funds totalled £10,665 at noon to-day. EARTHQUAKE RELIEF FUND HAWERA STAR. LIST.

‘‘WAIROA STAR” PUBLISHES

| MACHINERY RESTORED. WAIROA, Feb. 7. Tho “Wairoa Star” was able to publish a .small sheet on Wednesday and n. full eight pages yesterday, the only paper between Waipukurau and Gisborne. The “Star’’ is now back to normal after overcoming many diflieulties. Machinery has been restored and everything put in order again.

HELP FROM ELTHAM

In response to a- wire offering to accommodate a further 50 refugees from Napier, the Mayor of Eltham (Mr I. J. Bridger) received the following wire from the Prime Minister: “Government greatly appreciates offer of accommodation for people from afflicted area; will advise you if necessary to take advantage of offer.” The various committees appointed for the furtherance of the appeal in Eltham are actively engaged in preparation for their various efforts. Tho combined ladies’ committee will conduct several street stalls on Wednesday next.

£ d. Previously acknowledged 32 10 0 Mr and Mrs T. E. Bickford 5 o 0 St. Quentin 5 0 Mrs. Chapman 1 0 0 A. E. Williams 2 0 0 Mr. and Mrs. J. J. Pease ••• 10 10 0 Nanc-y Frei 2 6 Mr. and Mrs. O. D. Arlidge . 3 0 0 J. Deacon o 0 0 J W Thomas 3 0 0 “Seklum Inn” Oh a we 1 0 0 .T V . ... 1 0 0 M.H.W 4 0 0 Hawera Christian Science Church 10 0 0 Mrs. H. Edwards 1 0 0 M N 1 0 0 Total SO 7 0 F.LTTTAM MATCHES LIST T J*. d. Previously acknowledged — 17 10 fi Messrs Maslin and Dra.hble 1 1 (1 It. FI. Cover 1 0 0 Mr. It. H. Cover 1 o 0 Mr and Mrs. .1, It. M. Stewart ■5 •> 0 FT. Andrews 0 An nn cm ployed 5 0 Miss Hoooer 5 0 J. Shcohv • > 0 0 Iv. L. Egarr 1 J. 0 Mrs. E. Moves 1 0 0 Talbott family 1 0 0 Mrs. Latham 1 0 0 C. Thomas •") 0 0 P Brown 3 3 0 Mrs Wilson 1 0 0 Dr and Mrs. Saunders 10 10 0 A Voight 1 0 0 Mr and Mrs. Worselv 10 0 Mrs. llov Taylor 10 0 W. .Tones I 1 0 Total GO 12 6