ANOTHER SHAKE

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

ANOTHER SHAKE

MORE FALLS OF EARTH DAMAGE TO NAPIER HARBOUR ALTERATION TO SEA-FLOOR HEAVY BREAKERS ON BEACH. IBy Tel^grapu—Presja A&sociauoii.j NAPIER, Feb. S. The most violent shock since the first earthquake on Tuesday last shook Napier severely just before 2 p.m. today. Further immense tails of earth occurred at Bluff Hill, and Cape Kidnappers was obscured by dust resulting from enormous, falls there. The sea is rising and heavy breakers are dash.ig up the beach, it may become necessary to remove the camps front the foreshore. It is reported that the country immediately behind the inner harbour is slipping into the inner harbour, the floor of which is said to have been raised at least sis feet, but this is mere conjecture. A settler from Poraite states that the hills behind the lagoon are showing a tendency to flatten out. The tidal flow at the inner harbour entrance which used to be.about six ...knots an hour, is now practically noiii existent owing to the fact that very x. little water is finding its way into the lagoon extending from Greenmeadows to Petane. Whether this condition will continue to exist is another question. It is asserted that the sea in front of the town has resumed its normal level. 2500 CASUALTIES TREATED CONTROL OF RELIEF FUNDS.

ORGANISATION SET UP. HASTINGS, Feb. 7. One hundred and sixty dead had been buried in Napier and Hastings and 1500 injured had passed through the field hospital at Napier and over 1000, many serious, at Hastings, and 260 had been evacuated to various hosnitals between Wellington and Auckland, stated Hon. A. J. Stallworthy (Minister of Health) to-day.

Almost from the moment of the happening of the disaster wonderful! organisation had been in control. The nursing and medical staffs had been reinforced. In no single case had an injured person been left without medical attention.

The Y.M.G.A. staffs at Napier and Hastings had) been strengthened and were devoting their work to searching for missing friends Many cablegrams addressed to the Mayor and citizens of Hastings had been received from individuals. and municipalities in Australia and the Mayor of Hastings asks i that the Governor-General express the L thanks of the citizens of Hastings for the kindness so promptly and universally shown.

A properly constituted organisation to take charge of the administration of relief funds has been formed) to control Napier and Hastings. The step was the outcome of a. conference, attended by Hons. A. J. Stallworthy and J. G. Cobbe, Mr. Mitchdil, of the Treasury Department, and the Mayors of the two towns. Otherwise ’ than financially the present organisation is entirely satisfactory and has the situation well in hand. It is satisfactory to know that provision has been made thus early to govern the distribution of monetary contributions.

The nucleus of the organisation, consist® of each local Mayor as chairman, with the local Public Trust offices and two businessmen as advisory members. Each regional executive will control the financial administration throughput its own affected area.

Asked whether he had any knowledge what steps the banks and the Post Office Savings Bank were takink to arrange finance locally. Mr. Stallworthy saicf that for the present there was not the slightest need for earthquake victims to feel any financial anxiety. Everything necessary for the maintenance of life in ordinary comfort and safety without charge was already available and financial relief was being organised.

Mr. Stallworthy referred to the glaring headlines of some newspaper reports as “Criminal and insulting to brave people who have stood up with marvellous fortitude to the most crushinf’' calamity and who have evolved _ a miracle of organisation.” The Minister’s remarks referred particularly to newspaper references erroneously reporting the establishment of martial y luw af Hastings.

YESTERDAY’S SHAKES DAMAGE AT WAIROA. HASTINGS. Feb. 8. A fairly sharp shake occurred at 10 p.m. At Wairoa several sharp earthquake shock® were experienced to-day at about 2 p.m. One shock caused further damage to the traffic bridge, which is now impassable. A ferry service is being instituted.

HELP FROM TOOLEY STREET PJiOOUOE PROPAGANDA CAMPA LG N SUGGESTED. Mr. Edward Lovell, of Lovell and Christmas. Ltd., who was visiting Hawke’s Bay on the day of the disaster cabled the following to London: “Having personal! experience of the terrible distress caused by the earthquake. I would urge the need of assistance. In my opinion the best form, andi the one which would have most lasting effect would be a fund for special propaganda in Great Britain to '!■ v New Zealand produce.” The following reply was received over the week-end: “Your cablegram recciva ntl; have arranged interview with Government officials Monday.”

ELEVEN THOUSAND EVACUATED SURVEY OF THE DISASTER. FINE SPIRIT OF THE PEOPLE. HASTINGS. Feb. S. At least so far as Hastings is concorned one of the greatest difficulties with which the authorities in charge have to contend is the irresponsible circulation of disturbing rumouis. Tliere is nothing in the situation here to justify an attitude of mind isucli as leads to'the creation and spreading of absurd and alarming stories. One absurd story that the whole population had to be in Dannevirke within 24 hours, and another that everyone had to be in Trentham by Saturday, were typical examples of the stories that were upsetting the women in particular. Other rumours manufactured were that typhoid hud bioken out. There is no fear of typhoid in Hastings nor in Napier. The Hastings borough water supply is in normal working order wherever a connection exists, and if precaution is necessary it has been not only explained, but appreciated. The sewers are working perfectly, and the maintenance of public health is in expert hands. The people have nothing to fear. Whatever humour might ordinarily be found in such rumours, this is a bad time for it.

Without for a moment understanding the degrees of mental shock followed as a result of the ghastly collapse of the business part of the town, it may be said that, the whole of the townspeople, with the single exception of people previously in a bad nervous state, are not only calm, but demand that in spirit if not in fact that there shall be business as usual. Nobody moving among the residents here today will see one sign of jumpiness, haggardness or dejection. Even the bereaved are hiding their grief under a. placid countenance and carrying on in a universal effort to put the town and social life into order once more. The strain during the first three days was almost unsupportable to many, and to all it was at least a great trial. A sort of subdued excitement kept the people going. Sleep was not only impossible, but was also unwise. Nobody wanted more of a meal than a cup of hot tea. and a snack, which one’s mind would not allow to be eaten sitting down. There were a thousand things to do, and they had to ho done quickly. Somehow, they were done.

To-day everyone has had at least sufficient sleep and meals were being taken in a more normal way. Here and there one hears a resident genially boasting that- he had a bath and sat down to a hot meal. Shaving, once a sign of shame insofar as it proved a dereliction of duty, is now becoming de rigueur once more. We have now adopted the task ahead of us as a normal day’s work. From nine to five, or from midnight to six. or whatever hours we have ordained for us by the authorities, are the hours during, which we have to do our little share towards setting things right.

Looking back upon the happenings of that dreadful day when the property of every man and woman in business was wiped out in a few short moments, one remembers there was not a sign of panic or hysteria anywhere. Tuesday and its emotions are seen from a distance which gives a truer view, and quietly considered after a refreshing sleep and hot meals have completely restored one’s mental equilibrium, will forever be remembered with pride by those who witnessed the conduct of the people, particularly of the bereaved and injured, and the way in which the whole town is now carrying on is no less a matter for pride. MINISTER PRAISES PEOPLE. Hon. A. J. Stallworthry, speaking to a Press Association representative this morning, used terms of the highest praise of the way in which the people had borne their trial, and of how they had without _ a moment’s stay for grief or despair, set about undoing as much as they could of the harm that had been done.

From little boys and girls to aged men and women every one is doing something to help. The earthquake has been a great leveller and a great influence in bringing out / all that is friendly in man’s nature. Your neighbour’s lawn is yours to camp on, and your billy of hot water is his. It is touching beyond words to live here and see and hear about the wholesale and studiously thoughtful kindness of those who live in other places and were strangers yesterday. Those who are helping the rest are assured that their help is wanted and that it is appreciated to the uttermost. Not an hour passed in the town witliout one coming to know some fresh instance of kindness, or without hearing people who belong here speaking with no little touch of tenderness of the kindness that the whole of the Dominion has so promptly and so copiously shown. An attempt made to obtain from those best qualified to know an estimate of the damage proved futile. Nobody knows, nor willl know for many weeks. It is certain that the damage will reach not one or two, but seA r eral, millions of pounds. One calculation alone, and It is but a bagatelle. gives an astonishing result. In Hastings stricty within the limits_ of the borough boundary the rebuilding of chimneys and repairs of roofs will cost at the absolute minimum £90,000. The rebuilding or repairing of the three freezing works will cost probably £200,000 at least. It would not be in the .slightest degree an exaggeration to say that among the business premises the proportion of total destruction at the time of the earthquake or in the way of future necessity before rebuilding can be gone on with is 90 per cent.

Following are a few of the buildings in the condition specified, with an estimate of their value on a replacement basis: Grand Hotel, £4*9,000; Roach’s, iLtd., £25,000; Union Bank, £15,000; National Bank, £25,000; Cosy Theatre, £30.000; Municipal Theatre, £20,000. Those are- nothing more than instances and are not quoted as representing: the bulk of the town’s loss in business promises. Of entire blocks not a sound wall is left. The outskirts of the borough and losses at Havelock North will add many thousands to the total. According to the 1930' Year Book the capital value of land improvements of Napier was £4,424,000, and of Hastings '£3,421,000. Losses of stock in the shops will be enormous. There is also indirect loss by the suspension of business to consider. Yet Hastings residents speak in gratitude that their experience, was not so disastrous as Napier’s. There is one unpleasantness to mar the magnificent story of conduct of the people here and in the towns that are offering them hospitality. The

police sav that all too large a. number of professional rogues is coming into the centres where the refugees are being acaomiiKodated and posing as Hastings and Napier residents. It is hoped that steps will he taken to check the activities of imposters. The “Hastings Tribune” in a bulletin to-day says the continuance of minor shocks is a normal result of the big shake. The paper is reliably informed that there is no cause for alarm. Wliat tlie people must do now is to hold together, keep steady, avoid panic, disbelieve rumours, help one another and go ahead to rebuild the town. The clergy announce that those for interment being dispatched from the mortuary without exception are being buried in their own church plots. Crosses are being erected over every grave with the names of the victims painted thereon. At Napier minor shocks continue. There was a fairly heavy shake at < p.m. The military have taken over police duties to assist the volunteer patrols, but civil law still operates and will continue, the behaviour of the people being beyond reproach. Several further bodies have been recovered in Emerson Street, but they have not yet been identified. Civilians are assisting the naval men in the demolition of the wreckage and in the supply of food. Excellent service is being adequately maintained by women and men. The weather has again turned cold, but is still fine. It Is understood the question of rebuilding the town will form the subject of discussion with the idea of town planning. Consequently nothing of a permanent nature will be permitted for 12 months. In the meantime several firms announce that tern-! porarv premises are to be erected. Thej “Daily Telegraph’s” building will be j erected next to the Catholic Church J immediatelv. a new plant is to arrive on Monday. Murdoch’s bakery, the only building in nse in the devastated area, has been taken over bv the authorities, but elctrio power is being installed and the firm will operate three shifts at breadmaking as from Monday. This is the only bakery in commission in the town. Postal facilities and railway transport have improved, some telephones being in use. So successful has the organisation become that water is now being pumped on to parts of tlie hills and "parts of the flats. An inspection is proceeding in other localities. The sewer system will receive consideration as soon as possible. Men respond splendidly to tbe call for labour, and most able-bodied men now have something to think of besides misfortune. The workers are being naid 8s per day and found. It is still necessary for outside friends to exercise patience as to the welfare of their friends, as thousands of telegrams have not been delivered, and in many cases outward telegrams have failed to reach their destinations. Inquirers can rest assured that full details of the fatalities will bc_ published as soon as they are available, but tbe police are _ exercising almost excessive care in issuing information as to deaths. Lists are sent out whenever available. A Inter message states that after a comparatively quiet night, nothing serious being felt between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m., several moderately heavy shocks were felt this morning All work is proceeding. The post office is now open continuously. It is estimated that 11,000 people have been evacuated, and very fen’ women and children are now in the area. Yeoman work is still being done by local and visiting volunteers. ’Water services are being restored in a further area, and the water is chenu'callv treated at the pumping station. There is no confirmation of rumours concerning disease, and the relief work is proceeding with wonderful precision. The patrol system is quite capable of coping with any portion. The Governor-General. Lord Bledisloe, arrived by a train which also carried water. *The warships Dunedin and Diomede have anchored closer in and now occupy the usual Admiralty anchorage. Reg. Williamson, Napier has been added to the list of dead.

DRAMATIC SCENES IN LONDON HUNDREDS AWAIT THE NEWS LONDON, Feb. 7. There were dramatic scenes at the New Zealand offices when hundreds first learned whether their relatives were safe or dead, bringing realisation of how close to Britain was this distant tragedy. A little old Cockney woman came to the large room where the casualty list was published, asking the fate of her ex-soldier son. _ A London business man learnt of his brother’s safety. A young wife heard of her husband’s death. A New Zealander anxiously scanned the list- to discover the safety of his wife and family. Another wflg anxious to learn of the damage done to a bank. Many fears wore dispersed, many doubts turned to grief, notably for four young Air Force men, who are among the 80 New Zealand born airmen serving in Britain. They learned the tragic news of their families and homes being wiped out. Numerous telephone inquiries came from Scotland and the Irish Free State regarding victims. “The Times”, in a leader states that the depression will make reconstruction in Hawke’s Bay more burdensome, severely testing the sturdy self-reliance upon which New' Zealanders pride themselves.

FREEZING- COMPANIES HELP SHEEP FROM HAWKE’S BAY. WELLINGTON, Feb. 8. With a view to helping farmers in Hawke’s Bay owing to the present dislocation of their freezing works a conference lias been held in Wellington between the New Zealand Meat Producers’ Board and! the Wellington freezing companies to make, arrangement's to lie'ip the position in this district so as to provide killing space for fat stock offering. The freezing companies in the Wellington, Manawatu and Wanganui districts. have intimated that they are willing to take on the most favourable terms possible at least 30,000 sheep and lambs a week from the Hawke’s Bay freezing companies to be killed at their respective works. It was also decided that preference should 1 be given to the killing of lambs at the works hi the above mentioned districts and that the rationing of railway trucks to the respective companies should be left in the hands of the Meat Board. Owing to the dislocation of loading of frozen meat in Hawke’s Bay through Napier the meat is now being railed to Wellington, and in this connection the railway transport officers are doing everything possible to expedite transit.

SYMPATHY FROM GERMANY MIS MAJESTY REPLIES. WELLINGTON, Fob. 8. The Governor advised that the King has received the following telegram from the President of the German Reich. “On the occasion of receipt, of the overlooking news of the terrible earthquake disaster which has visited New Zealand may I be allo-wed to convey to you your Majesty that the whole of Germany feels the deepest sympathy m the sad fate of the victims of the tragic diqsasters. ” His (Majesty sent the following reply: “I am profoundly grateful to you, Mr President, for your kind message expressing your sympathy, and that of the people of Germany, with those of New Zealand in the great sorrow and suffering which has been inflicted on them by the recent catastrophic earthquake in North Island. The sentiments conveyed in your message will, I am confident, be deeply appreciated throughout the Dominion and particularly by the immediate sufferers from the great, destruction of life and proper which this terrible event has occasioned.’’

Further telegrams of sympathy received by the Governor-General include messages from numerous distiguished aiid representative persons.

COSTLY FALSE REPORTS UNO FPI C IA L R A 1) TO M ESS A G ES. BIG SHIP’S FRUITLESS CHASE. GISBORNE, Feb. 8. It canot. be gainsaid that wireless has proved of invaluable help in the present disaster,' but nevertheless misleading messages act in a cruel manner on relatives and friends in other parts of the Dominion. Apparently as the result of a message on the air on Tuesday the public gained the impression that Gisborne was badly affected by the earthquake. The fact that the lines were down between here and Hawke’s Bay deepened that impression and as a result, hundreds o± telegrams poured into Gisborne and are still being received, the majority from anxious reia. tives. Even on .Saturday a large number of messages was received.

It can be again emphasised that the result of the heavy shock on Tuesday was that only minor damage was done to shops and one was injured.

Another instance of a panicky wireless message, however, may prove very expensive, for it resulted in the big liner Northumberland being ordered to leave .16,000 carcases of meat rapidly deteriorating at Napier and rush to Wairoa on Friday morning. The Northumberland, then lying at Napier, was ordered to go to Wairoa to pick up 30,000 or 40,000 carcases of meat from the Wairoa freezing -works -which had been damaged by Tuesday’s earthquake. The Wairoa freezing works caught fire on Thursday night, but that fact was not known at Napier at the time arid when the liner actually left. Napier the works were burning. When 26 miles out from Napier the ship was ordered by wireless to go back to Napier and put aboard 16,000 carcases which were rapidly deteriorating as the result of the fife at Port Ahuriri.

The liner dropped anchor and commenced the preliminary landing of a few bales of wool which were alongside while the meat was coming off'. Then a message was received from the Captain of 'lljM.iS. Dunedin stating that a wireless message tad just been received that Wairoa was in a state of panic. The houses had gone, sanitation had failed and assistance was wanted. At once the Northumberland was ordered to proceed to Wairoa. All work was immediately stopped and the liner set out without delay. Considerable anxiety prevailed on board the liner as the vessel was rushing over uncharted seas and the line was kept going continuously. Two doctors and three medical students were aboard and on the way across cots wore hastily fitted up to accommodate 60 cot cases.

When the liner reached Cairoa at 6.30 p.m. she lowered a launch and a party including Captain Upton, m charge ot the Northumberland, two medical men and three medical students with first aid outfit, wireless equipment, etc,, turn bled into the launch. The small craft made a hazardous crossing of the bar and proceeded full speed up the river to the town, noticing oil the way rhat the freezing works had been burned.

On the wharf a man was standing end fie hailed them: ‘“Have you brought the mail/’ he said.

“What’s all the trouble,’’ was the reply.

4 4 There’s nothing much happened here since the big shake on Tuesday/’ said the man, “except that we’ve had a few more shakes since and the freezing works have been burnt. Captain Upton, Dr Rice and the other medical men aboard went ashore and waited on the Mayor, who after hearing the reason for the visit expressed regret. Captain Upton took the matter very sportingly and expressed pleasure that their visit iiad been a fruitless one.

As it was impossible to recross the bar ou account of the tide the commander wirelessed his offices on the ship, which proceeded baTHc to Napier and Captain Upton flow back there yes. torday morning. The same wireless message had been received by other stations, for at. h.4U p.m. on Friday the chief reporter of an Auckland newspaper arrived by ’plane from Rotorua. Ho said that he had re. ceiveil a message from Auckland to similar effect to that received by the warship Dunedin. Dr 11. Colliding Rice, who told a “Times” reporter of Hie Northuriiberlarnl’s vain quest, suggested that m times of national disaster iiko the present private wireless sets should be j scaled amt messages sent, only under official auTliority. It is not Known here if the Isorthumberland arrived in time to save the Port Ahuriri meat, but if not the Joss will be serious.

An earthquake shock, the sharpest experienced here since the big shake, was experienced at 3.40 p.m. to-day, the people rushing into the streets. No damage was reported. All the churches at Gisborne were packed to-day. At the Holy Trinity church the Mayor and councillors were present. In the course of his sermon Rev. Film on ds said they had met to

‘return thanks to God for having, as it were, escaped disaster and ruin by a hair’s breadth.”

NAPIER MAYOR’S STATE MEN 1 j —* i TOWN DETERAIINED TO REBUILDAPPRECIATION OF ASSISTANCE NAPIER, Feb. S. The Mayor of Napier, All- J. Vigor Brown, to-day made the following states jnent to the people of New Zealand regarding the earthquake at Napier: “The calamity came with terrifying suddenness and it lias to he realised that the whole of the devastation was wrought in a matter of seconds. The work of succouring the injured and hose trapped in falling buildings commenced immediately and many people risked their lives in rendering aid. The whole of the first day was occupied in giving the necessary attention to the injured. “Disaster lia<l followed disaster. Fire broke out almost immediately after the earthquake and a large proportion of the available workers was diverted to an attempt to combat the l outbreaks. In spite of this all the injured were accommodated in some way during the day and a commencement was made with arrangements for the distribution of foodstuffs. Food and hot drinks were available within five hours. Transport to deal with water supplies, urgent matters an connection with sanitation and, most important of all, medical and nursing help for the injured were promptly arranged. Committees were formed at the police station and elsewhere on the evening of the earthquake. Arrangements were made in the afternoon and evening for food to be supplied to various depots.

“It is impossible sufficiently to emphasise the wonderful manner in which the commander, officers and men of the Veronica assisted in these activities. But for them our troubles would have been immeasurably greater. They got to work immediately and helped to instil confidence into the populace. Later, their efforts were supplemented _by the arrival of the Dunedin and Diomede, and the navy continues to render assistance to Napier in its hour of need. The doctors and nurses and all those associated with them did wonderful work under conditions that were exceedingly difficult.

“It is impossible to express in this statement the gratitude due to all who aided the work of succour. Casualties were treated in the most humane and careful way. The Government has done magnificent work. Ministers of the Grown and departmental officers were quickly on the scene and soon made available in conjunction with other organisations thousands of pairs of blankets, tents, bread, meat and other food. A NATIONAL DISASTER.

“The Government is at our back in giving help. It has taken up the position that the disaster is a national one and is treating it as such. At the tame of the upheaval the steamers Taranaki and Northumberland were in the bay and sent men and supplies ashore when they were sorely needed. The police, as always, were right, in amongst the troubles and did their difficult work very tactfully. One has to remember that at times, like this hundreds are hysterical and great tact had to be displayed in the direction of matters by those in authority.

“A great many people have sent messages asking for information about relatives and friends. It. has. been impossible to get information in a large number of cases as the people. enquired for have left their homes and their whereabouts are not known. Casualty cases were removed to various hospitals in the outlying districts and it was impossible at first to get any information at all. Everyone was engaged in essential work and what might appear as possible neglect could not be avoided.

'‘Every endeavour is being made to restore things to normal. Alany are working night and day. The Post and Telegraph Department has done wonders, the men working night and day forwarding all communications as quickly as possible. I must assure the people who have not received replies to telegrams that the telegraph authorities have done all that is possible for human beings to do. “Some people outside the district have formed their own ideas of what is being done and what should be done, but we who are here know all about it and can assure the public that while masonry and debris was still falling attention was being given these details at great personal risk to those carrying oxit the work.

“I also wish to state that Napier is not wiped out. We are at present rebuilding a tobacco factory at Port Ahuriri. Portion of it had to be pulled down and this morning men are removing the debris and starting immediately to rebuild the factory, which employs from 200 to 30Q hands. Many other businesses have already made financial arrangements to rebuild their premises. As soon as the debris, which is considerable, is removed buildings will be gone on with. Napier will soon be rebuilt.

“It will be appreciated that in this short statement I am unable to expi-ess adequately thanks to the many organisations and to the hundreds of people who have assisted our people here and in other centres. Alay I convey to them the gratitude of Napier and its citizens for all they have done and are doing for us.”

INSURANCE PAYMENTS CERTAIN LOSSES TO BE MET POLICY OF STATE OFFICE. WELLINGTON, Feb. 7. Ail important statement bearing out the policy to be adopted by the State Fire Office in respect to earthquake insurance claims was made to-day by Hon. G. W. Forbes. The Prime Minister announced that in view of the special circumstances it had been decided by the Government that the State Fire Office would make ex gratia payments, at the discretion, of the general manager, ‘to policy holders whose insured property had suffered by damage. The payments would not in any case exceed the amount of the fire damage and would not extend in any circumstances to purely earthquake damage. This arrangement would apply only to fire damage which had already been sustained.

The amount involved in this proposal said Mr Forbes, would be wholly provided from the reserves of the office itself without any call being made on the Consolidated Fund. He added that this amply justified the wisdom of creating an available reserve which had been built up over the past 26 years.

DEATH-ROLL IN NAPIER DETAILS OF OFFICIAL LIST. EIGHT BODIES NOT IDENTIFIED. WELLINGTON, Feb. 8. The following is the official deathroll in Napier. Addresses not given are district ones. Surnames come first in all cases: McArthur, Frederick Campbell, 50 1 years, married, telegraphist. Bickerstatf, Louisa Maud, 39 years. Boyd, Francis Mary, 69 years, Epsom, Auckland. j Ogilvie, Bertram, 14 years, Hast- 1 ings. C'anham, John Eugene. 3 years. Bobertson, Raymond Claude, 14 years. Kyle. Lea, barman, single. Freedman, Derek, 20 years. Skelton, Winnie May. ■ Eltridge, Martha. Leverett, Rosjean, 15 years. Walker, Alexander Graham, 50 vears. Heath, Clifford James Palmer, lo years. I Tripney, Annie Gordon Ogilvie, and r child. Brandon, Alary Eileen, 20 years. Haines, Jane, 54 years. Williams, Nurse Eileen, 19 years. Keys, Elsie, 27 _years. Bisson, Anna, 45 years. Bennett, 17 years. Collins, Alary, Elderly. Insull. Nurse Marjory, 22 years. New Plymouth. Plank, George, 67 years. Davidson, John, about 45 years. Bonner, Alfred John, 54 years. . Lenihan, Alary Josephine, - 64 years. Johnstone, Bridget Mary, 43 years. McKee, Mollie, 22 years. Voyc-e, Mrs. Kitching. Thomas Henry, about «o years. Smith, Ellen, 75 years. Ellis, Airs., 45 years. . Riddell, Nurse, 20 yaers, Paliiatua. Pearson, Kathleen Irene, 29 years, Dannevirke. Ashwell, • Cecil Porter, found in hotel. Thorn-George, Nurse Nancy, 24 years. Burrow*. Clarice Margaret, 16 years. Goldsmith, Leard. Puddle, Airs. Elizabeth, widow, /J years. . Dennett, George Frederick. Thompson, Frances Jane, widow, years, son in Dannevirke. Meek, Thomas, 50 years. Rhodes, Lloyd, 15J years. Stevens. John Ascott, 69 years, brewer. Stead. Irvine Thomas, 14 years. Dallison. Eleanor, 20 years. Dewes Matilda, 45 years single. Ellison, Stanley George. 40 years Hindmarsh, iSheila. Westwood, 30 vears. Rolls, Grace Ella, 23years Stone, Nurse Lucy Alildred, 21 \e.us. Evans, David, 38 years. Alenzies, Lena, 20 years. Wrivht. Percy. J.P., mercer, Hastings Street, Napier. DEATHS AT GREENMEADOWS The following were killed at the Catholic Seminary at Greenmeadows: Gondringer, Father, Hastings. Boyle, Father. Stevenson, William, Alosgiel. Devonport, Alexander, Fendalton, Christchurch. Rafter, Ngaio, Brooklyn, WellingC’armody, Vincent, Glasgow Street, Wanganui. . Anisy, Boddey, Tinui Street, Greymouth. Doogan, James, Greymouth. Alangos, Leonard, Timaru. Orr, Airs, Susan, Taradale. The following were killed at Greenmeadows Public School: Dunn, Aileen Frances, 7 years. Pollock, William Archibald, 7. years. Kidson, Dennis, 7 or 8 years. Killed at the Convent Sciool Greenmeadow 7 so— „ Sister Ignatius, the Alission, Greenmeadows. Killed at the Old Men’s Home, Park Island : —• Walsh, Alary. Watson, Andrew. Saunders, James. Stuart, Daniel. Watson, John Henry Colton, Edward. Cuddihy, Alichael. Skinner, Charles. J Dwyer, John. Rae, John. Brown, Gilbert. Hanson, Edward. , Alackenzie, John. Watson, Arthur. Cameron, William. Of these two men were said to be . workmen at Taradale. Paul, Patricia, 8 years. Howard, Ernest, 50 years. Jefferies, Mrs Elizabeth. KILLED AT PORT AHURIRI. 1 Pointon, Edward, storeman, 56 years. Crawford, John, storeman, 45 .years. Johnston, Crawford Benjamin, 50 years. Smith, Richard, 42 years. ; Greatbacli, Thomas, retired railway servant, 61 years. t Grenville, Jack, 17 years. Alacmillan, Irwin, about 13 years. Walter, Alexander E., about 55 years. AfcLean, Alary Hannah, 53 years, spinster.

QUESTIONS OF IDENTIFICATION

Five bodies which have been reoovoted have not been identified. The following were previously reported unidentified at Port Ahuriri morgue : Reid, George, 41 years, quarryman, died after injuries in Dr. Gilray s Hospital. He is supposed to have been a single man, of Napier. Williamson, Reginald, tailor, Emerson Street, 55 years, grown-up family. Kyle, Leo, Carman, single, 35 years, Napier. _ . The following is the list of unidentified bodies and the description:—• Female, aged 25 to 35, .slight build, dark brownish hair, greying at the temples, brown eyes, small round face, small round body, small hands, natural teeth, short nose, ring on left middle finger, gold. ■wris'fcleti wat/di $ wearing champagne coloured dress and stockings, fawn straw hat, tangerine ribbon with black edging, small crocodile shoes (brown). Female, from Nelson Park, died at casualty station, aged 45 to 50, tall, well made, sallow complexion, large nostrils, brown hair, no teeth, blue eyes. Female, from Park racecourse, aged about 70 years, short, slight build, grey hair, thin •features', no teeth, few hairs on chin, blue eyes, rather large nose; flesh-coloured stockings, no ornaments. Female, hospital patient, middleaged, hair going grey, small nose, top plate of teeth false, lower teeth natural,,

blue eyes, rather broad face; wrist watch and sample of dress taken; two rings left on body, one on third right finger, one on second left finger. Male, about 25 years, tall, well built, broad face, medium nose, natural teeth, hazel eyes, light brown hair; wearing dark tweed trousers, black braces, grey waistcoat, white shirt with faint brown stripes, black working boots, purple suspenders, grey socks with black square lines. Female, about 7Q years, medium height, slight build, without teeth, clothes burned. Charred remains of two human bodies. _ Four unidentified collections of ashes. One of these may possibly be identified but the others will never be. That the police anticipate further recoveries of bodies is apparent by. their actions but they are reticent. It is suggested that the debris at the foot of Bluff Hill, "which reached from the sea to 100 feet up the cliff race, should be allowed to remain as. a natural grave for those who may be buried there, and ;a new road constructed round the foot jof the slip, which would take months to remove. The immense slip, however, lias certainly made the cliff face much safer, subject to a few* dangerous points being removed. The number of deaths officially reported from Napier is 103, including the I eight not yet identified. ' All tlie bodies have not yet been recovered.

BUSINESS TO RE-OPEN NAPIER, FREE FROAI DISEASE FIRE ON THE TERRACE, NAPIER, Feb. S. : Six banks have reached an agreement to build combined offices of _ a temporary nature on a site to be chosen, probably part of the Catholic Church property at the corner of Alunroe and Dickens Streets, where the “Daily Telegraph” building is to be erected. At noon to-day Dr. AlcKibbon, of the Health Department, stated that there had been no case of typhoid reported. He asserted that all steps were being taken to prevent a start of the disease. All sewer and water connections were being inspected and no house would be permitted to be occupied until a clean bill was given. The doctor added that there were still 2000 people camped at Nelson Park and that the place was receiving particular attention. The department was not neglecting any step in its endeavour to preserve the health of the afflicted people. Several firms are endeavouring to commence operations in temporary premises and with a continuance of the present progress extensive works should soon be in progress. It is still diserable to keep out sightseers, and the restrictions are likely to be maintained for some time. Most visiting newspaper men are now departing. Owing to supplies running short in certain country areas the police are introducing special messengers to cope with the position. Plenty of food is still available and abandoned fowls have been used generously to supply hungry people. Hundreds of canaries are flying about the suburbs, but the pigeons have disappeared and other birds are rarely seen.

Before noon a fire broke out in Percy Briasco’s house in Napier Terrace. The brigade with tanks of water on waggons soon secured control of the fire and prevented its spread, but the building was destroyed and others damaged. A line of trucks kept up the water supply. LOCAL RELIEF WORK GOAIBINED BANDS’- EFFORTS At the Hawera Opera House last night a special performance was given by the Wanganui Garrison and Hawera Municipal Bands in aid of the relief funds. There was a large and appreciative audience and a very fine performance was given by both bands. Numbers played by the combined bands were the hymns “Nearer, My God, bo Thee” and “Abide With Me,” a contest march and “The Flying Squad” selection from “Les Huguenots” and from “The Desert Song -

under Bandmaster Watson (Wanganui) and the hymn “Bethsaida” under Mr Fox, of Hawera. The Hawera Band also played the contest selection “Gems from Mendelssohn,” Mr Fox giving a very interesting historical and musical summary of the meaning of the selected numbers j which helped to deepen the appreciation of listeners. Rev. J. RJ. Young made a stirring appeal to all to seize the opportunity tot give, and to give liberally m a time of great need for those who had in many cases lost all and thus to show a real practical fellowship. The Mayor (Mr E. A. Pacey), who had been to Palmerston North with several of the relief committee, expressed hearty thanks to the Wanganui Band for its. ready help and to the Hawera Band for their share in the programme, and for their organisation of the recital, to the Theatre Company for giving the hall free, to the statf for their generous help, to the Electric Power Board for giving the light and isfactory sum of £l7 15s towards the 'to the audience for providing the satrelief fund, and to the Red Cross workers for making the collection. In conclusion, he appealed for cordial support of the vocal recital to be given by Miss Constance Reilly and Mr Rex Harrison in the Grand Theatre this (Monday) evening. The playing of the National Anthem concluded the evening’s performance. The Wanganui Band, who had been to Ngaere Gardens in the afternoon, specially stayed in Hawera to assist the fund. They were entertained at tea and afterwards at supper in the bandroom by a ladies’, committee of the Hawera Band. The conductor, Mr J. 'Watson, expressed hearty thanks to all for generous hospitality and said that it had been a pleasure and a privilege to lielp in so good a cause. He expressed the hope that they would at some future date be able to reciprocate to the Hawera Band in Wanganui and assured them they would be pleased to see such a visit arranged.

REFUGEES IN HAWERA

ORGANISING PROVISION OF SUPPLIES.

The organisers of local relief measures have arranged that the Hawera Women’s Club sha.ll handle all supplies of food and the Red Cross supplies of clothing. By advertisement in this issue an appeal is made for gifts of non-perishable goods and money to be left at the Women’s Club (telephone 439), perishable goods to be sent direct to the West Coast Refrigerating Co.’s cool stores, Princes Street (opposite Winter Show Buildings). As there are nearly one hundred refugees in the town billeted in private homes, it is hoped that the general public will, by its response to this appeal, assist in the good work of maintaining the visitors. v. —.—- ——

GISBORNE LITTLE DAMAGED GORGE ROADS BLOCKED. “IMPASSABLE FOR MONTHS.” GISBORNE, Feb. 7. A fairly sharp earthquake shock was experienced here at 8.57 this evening. During the day four ’planes arrived at intervals, being utilised for the carrying of mails and telegrams. Of 14GO* telegrams brought from Auckland by Captain Mill with bis Moth, the great majority were from Auckland, expressing sympathy and anxiously inquiring for the welfare of friends and relatives. The facts are that on Tuseday Gisborne experienced a very heavy shock, which did some damage to a few shops and their contents and also brought down a number of chimneys in private bouses. No one was injured and little damage was done. Since then several shocks, more_ or less sharp, were experienced at intervals, but no great damage was done in Gisborne or vicinity. Aviators and motorists report very heavy damage between AA'airoa and Napier, where the- road, according to the Auckland Automobile Association patrol, will be impassable for months, thus cutting off comriiunieation with Gisborne from the south.

A party of motorists had an exciting experience while returning home from Napier on Tuesday morning. The party was in a service car and had just* passed the bridge at the foot oi Waili'are Gorge, about 20 miles south of Wairoa, when the earth began to rock and shift. Within a few chains of the bridge there is a turn in the road under an old slip, and the ear was in this tiny sanctuary when the driver and passengers realised what was going on. According to one of the passengers the walls of the gorge appeared to approach each other overhead, .and from banks near the ear boulders were thrown out as though by an explosion, slips came tearing down the slopes both in .front of and behind the car and stones rattled on the hood.

Mr. Biggar, the passenger who told the story, mentioned that he had hardly alighted from the car when lie was struck by a sizeable rock and other passengers were also bombarded. The slips completely covered the road on both sides of the gorge, and the only place in si%lTt where the road surface could be distinguished was the little pocket in which the car was standing. Heaped round and under the machine were rocks of all sizes, but by some chance e\ erything big seemed to have missed the car and it was abandoned in sound order.

The first thuoght of the occupants ■was to reach a place of safety, and it was decided to make tip the hillside to the level ground above. It was a .stiff climb under (ordinary circumstances, but with the ground heaving and rocking it was amazingly difficult, especially as the party did not know but that any moment might see them hurled into the gorge again. Reaching the top after the most strenuous exertions, they turned to observe the. effect of the earthquake. They saw the hills all round them shuddering and landslides in motion everywhere.

One area of nearly an acre in Mr. Reeve’s property across the gorge was thrown into the air and daylight was seen underneath it by the amazed observers, .who estimated that it must have been forced 30ft or 40ft clear of the surging surface. Instead of breaking up it whirled round and fell back into the hole from which it had been ejected, stones hurtling out of the mass as it fell.

“The scene beggared description. The force of the earthquake could not have been more apparent in the town of Napier itself,” Mr. Biggar claimed. The hotel at Waikare was damaged and the occupants were as badly startled as the party of travellers who had escoped from the gorge. Mr. Biggar later paid a visit to the Matahoufa Gorge, and there found tiie road obliterated as it was in the Waikare Gorge. Curiously enough, two big railway viaducts had stood under the strain.. The approaches to the viaducts were crumbled and the rails and sleepers left hanging in mid-air, but the steel structures over nearby gorges were intact and were believed by workmen in charge of them to be undamaged. Among the most thrilling experiences of the earthquake period must have ranked that of some men whc were suspended on staging from the Matahoura Gorge viaduct, who were engaged in painting the structure when the earthquake came. Their tale was one of their battle to retain their hold on the staging, which swung and buckled as the viaduct itself whipped this wav and that.

Aviators on the way to Gisborne report that the fronts of cliffs near Waikare and Mohaka have failed into the sea.

The latest observation was made today by Captain Bolt, who reported on arrival that the cliff's had been shattered and scattered a considerable distance out to sea.