SUNDAY IN NAPIER

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

SUNDAY IN NAPIER

“STAR” REPORTER’S VISIT HEAVY SHOOK YESTERDAY MANY PEOPLE REFUSE TO LEAVE. Napier, particularly in the vicinity of the relief committee’s quarters in the Council Chambers and the food depot in the barracks, presented a scene of organised activity when visited by a “Star” representative during the week-end. Hundreds of relief cars and lorries poured into the town in an endless .stream from Palmerston North and intermediate centres, all carrying supplies or on official business. Food transport was under the military authorities, assisted by civilians, and the organisation was excellent.

In the ruined business area, however, there was an absolute quiet, and except for the marine pickets, a small band of isearcliers and a few sightseers, principally drivers of the relief transports, it was deserted. Along Marine Parade there were scattered groups of residents, and the tent dwellers on the foreshore had not forsaken their temporary abodes.

In the residential areas many were caching their belongings in preparation to vacate their homes, and van loads of furniture and effects were constantly leaving the town. It was noticeable that the majority did their packing of personal belongings in the open. In several instances groups of women had dragged chests of drawers out into backyards and were transferring their contents to suitcases and boxes, and heaps of clothing were being placed aboard lorries in haphazard manner. The main objective in most of the eases seemed to be to get the effects out, irrespective of in what manner.

On the other hand, neighbours watched the abandonment of homes with placid interest. “What is the use of getting out?” answered a woman in reply to the “Star” representative when asked if she contemnlated moving her effects. “We have nowhere to go without being a burden on others and we are well cared for here.

“I have got unite used to the shocks.” she renlied to another query. “My family and I are perhaps just as safe here as anywhere, and sleeping in tents this weather isn’t any hardship. We have lost a little, hut there are hundreds worse off.” Numbers of other residents showed no inclination to leave the town, and others expressed determination that they would not leave under any circumstances.

SEARCHING THE RUINS

In the business section there are portions that are dangerous to visit hcause of the state of the standing structures, and for other reasons. The search of the ruins was proceeding steadily, eight bodies being located yesterday, but the work will be long and arduous. Thousands of tons of masonry and debris will have to he cleared before the work can be fully accomplished, and at the present rate of progress it would seem that it will take not weeks, but months. In some instances it may only be conjectured as to what lies under mountains of debris, but in others there are indications that bodies are buried there. HEALTH SAFEGUARDS. The health or tlie residents is being very carefully safeguarded and ihealth officials are to be seen everywhere. The shortage of water for drinking purposes has been overcome and plentiful supplies are available. There has been practically no. trouble, the “Star” representative was informed, in keeping order in the town, hut it was said that an unscrupulous element, representing themselves as returned refugees, had commenced to drift into Hastings and steps were being taken to see that imposters of that type did not reach Napier. GUARDING PROPERTY. The picketing of Napier is confined to guarding of property and there are no restricted areas. To interfere with property, or even trespass in the grounds of private residences, however, is to court trouble. A Hawera resident had authority to bring personal belongings from an evacuated house to Palmerston North and proceeded to the house in company with a constable. The constable was inside and the man was standing looking through the open door when a marine on patrol duty asked him his business. The production of the authority to remove the goods was not sufficient to satisfy the picket, who remained until the constable verified the statement.

YESTERDAY'S SHAKE. The “Star” representative was on Marine Parade when the shake occurred at 2.30 yesterday afternoon. There was a heavy jolt, with very little swinging movement, followed by a convulsive sort of “backlash.” There was another heavy fall of debris on Bluff Hill, whidli was partially obscured for some minutes by a cloud of dust. A galvanised iron building close to where the reporter was standing vibrated as though in, a heavy /wind. It was said to have 1 been the heaviest shake since the previous Thursday. Marine Parade had been practically deserted prior to the shake, but a few minutes later there were at leftst-200 people on the roadway. A visit to the food depot disclosed that there were plenty of general provisions, but a decided shortage ~ of green vegetables. These were stated to be required urgently. NO SIGHTSEERS WANTED. Napier is a decidedly difficult town to visit, and no one without a permit lias a chance of passing the police road patrols. Between Dannevirke and Napier there are at least a dozen of these and every avenue of approach is guarded. An endorsed permit giving permission to leave is required by civilians before it is possible to quit the town.

Hastings could hardly be more closely picketed than was the case yesterday. At every street corner ’ there were groups of half-a-dozen special constables, some armed with Indian clubs, waddies, and the regulation type baton. Even though an endorsed permit was produced when entering the town it was demanded by every picket encountered. It seemed that some were more or less over-zealous,-and a few were somewhat overhearing in their appreciation of their duties. It was reported that there had been instances of attempted pillaging, but in broad daylight the attitude adopted did not seem warranted. The military pickets did not in any way display the same show of authority.

CLEARING HASTINGS' DEBRIS. The work of clearing the debris and searching the ruins was proceeding very rapidly and efficiently at Hastings, and numerous gangs of men and lorries wore engaged in various parts of the town. In one instance bricks from the demolished brewery were being utilised to restore the partially destroyed bakehouse adjoining, to enable it to be put into commission without delay. Residents were engaged in repairing their chimneys. ‘i* Wait until you have seen Napier,” was a common rejoinder when reference was made to the damage in the town. Everyone’s sympathy seemed to be with Napier residents and practically every, one spoken to was inclined to depreciate the damage in Hastings compared with the loss at Napier. Health precautions were also being taken in Hastings and, as was the case in Napier, bulletins of instruction were being issued. The streets had not been cleared of fallen masonry to the extent in Napier, and a good deal of the business area remained as after the big quake, and the following fire. One body which was then unidentified, was recovered yesterday. ADJOINING TOWNS. In Waipawa. and Waipukurau, with the exception of shoring up the fronts and walls of some of the buildings, practically nothing was being done, but all debris had been cleared from the streets. Everywhere on the road there are relief depots, open day and night. Free refreshments are being dispensed at numerous points not only for refugees, but also for relief workers, particularly those engaged in transport, many of whom have been working with only an occasional few hours’ sleep since Tuesday evening. PALMERSTON NORTH CAMP. The main reception camp at Palmerston North was visited by the “Stay’ reporter who found that, under the cncumstaiices, the accomodation arrangements and the catering for the refugees was remarkably good. Everything possible is apparently being done foi their comfort and a more efficient management could hardly be possible. Numbers in the camp spoke very highly of the treatment accorded them and were deeply appreciative of what was being done for their comfort.

PROVIDING HOMES EARTHQUAKE RELIEF WORK. ORGANISATION AT HAWERA. Up till last evening a total of 93 people from the earthquake area, had readied Hawera, including a small number who, after being accommodated for a night, travelled on to friends in centres further north. The general committee at Hawera combining with the Mayor (Mr E. A. and the secretary (Mr A. Iv. Fyson) lias effected an excellent organising system co-ordinating the work of affording relief. To-day under arrangements with the South T aranaki Automobile Association a _ notice has been posted on the outskirts of the town advising that the relief and information bureau is at the Presbyterian Hall. There the billeting committee, with Miss A. B. Johnstone as convener, arranges for the immediate needs of people passing through and the allocation to homes of those who are remaining in the district. Food is despatched from the Women’s Club, where arrangements are in charge of Miss McLean, while bedding and clothing is forwarded from the Red Cross rooms, where the secretary (Mrs A. E. Stevens) is in charge. “It has been an intense joy to do anything for the people arriving because of their genuine gratitude,” wns a remark made in conversation with a “Hawera Star” reporter this morning by Rev. R. E. Evans, who has been assisting with the reception of the visitors at the Presbyterian Hall and their allocation to homes. Mr Evans also expressed appreciation of the warm welcomes given to the oooole from the devastated area on their arrival at homes in which they were being accommodated and also concerning the kindly interest taken by neighbours who had been anxious to assist in the provision of .comforts. Speaking of this. Mr Evans referred with particular pleasure to the action of children residing at the Oh awe beach, who had offered to share toys and personal effects such as bathing costumes with the visitors. The following is an additional list of residents from the devastated area who have been billeted from the Hawera headquarters: Mrs Harry Hearn and three children. .508 Nelson Street. Hastings; care Mrs Hearn, 244 High Street.

Mrs Leo Wallace and four boys, 210 T.ovedale Road, Hastings; care Mrs Hearn.

Gladys Ashton (schoolgirl), 508 Nelson Street, Hastings; care Mrs Hearn.

Mr W. D. Brimer, wife and five children, Caroline Road, Hastings: care Mr L. A. Nelson, Camberwell Road.

Mr E. Start-up and wife, Hastings care Mr L. A. Nelson.

Mrs M. C. Crawford and George and Elsie Winston, 11 Shamrock Street, Napier South; care Mr Evans’ beach cottage, Olinwe. Mrs H. R. Truhshoe and boy. Guppvs Street, Creenmeadows; care Mr Evans’ beach cottage. Miss S. J. Roddick, 1 Miller Street, Napier; care Mrs Beighton, 11 Erin Street. Mrs G. Reardon, Carlton Private Hotel. Carlyle Street. Napier; care Miss Power. 36 Victoria Street. Mrs W. .T. McGrath and Miss May McGrath, Shakespeare Hill, Napier; care Mrs Gulliver, 8 Victoria Street. Mrs C. Laurent and four children, 807 West Queen Street, Hastings; care Mrs Fake, 78 Argylo. Street. Mrs A. McKay and Miss Isa- McKay, 128 Carlyle Street, Napier; -care Hentlierlea Douse. Wilson Street. Miss E. Melvav 163 Shakespeare Road, Napier; care Heatherlea House. Mrs A. Aislabie and two hoys and girl, 37 Latham Street, Napier; care Mrs Edwards. Soldiers’ Club. Mrs H. Mclvor and baby and Miss R. Mclvor, 41 Faraday Street, Napier; care Mrs Murray Page, 40 Argylc Street. Tn addition a party of six has been accommodated at the home of Mr and Mrs W. A. Snragg, Princes Street Extension. Hnwera. The party travelled to Hnwera on Sundnv with Mr Snragg, who motored to Hawke’s Bay to meet its members. The party consists of the following: Mr and Mrs T Redshaw. Kennedy Road. Nanier ; Miss Z. Redshaw. Wairoa: Mrs Walter Taylor and two children. Joan and Harley, of Alison Street, Napier. ‘‘WONDERFUL HOSPITALITY” GIFTS FOR. TRAVELLERS 11AWKRA RESIDENT’S PRATS 6 ‘‘The hospitality of the people of towns on the route is wonderful,” said Mr W. A. Spragg, of Ilawera, in eonver.

Jsaiion with a ‘‘Star” reporter concernjing the former’s visit to Hawke’s Bay [during the week-end for the purpose of [ oriuging back a party of friends. An Dannevirkc, Woodville, Ashhurst, Eeilding, Mftrton aim Wanganui, on the route traversed by Mr Spragg, vehicles travelling with passengers from the devastated area were stopped and gifts of refreshments, clothing and other comforts were proffered. Soup, tea. coffee, or cocoa, pies, rolls, sandwicne and cakes, also tobacco and cigarettes md j-ruit and sweets were supplied in liberal measures Notices were displayed at the approaches to towns advising travellers as to whore such depots were established and everyone showed the utmost sympathy, together with the generous desire to afford practical help :o the people who had had to leave their homes, said Mr Spragg. Besiaes the established depots Jicip was also forthcoming from private homes, one such instance being a residence between Dannevirkc and Woodville, where refreshments were offered.

SERVICE AT ELTHAM COLLECTION REALISES £ll A united intercession service in connection with the earthquake distress vas held in the Eltham Town Hall last night. There wa.s a. large attendance. The Mayor (Mr. I. J. Bridger) presided anidl after the hymn, “O God, Our Help in Ages Past’’ and a few brief remarks by the Mayor, the audience stood for a minute in silence in an act of sympathy with the relatives and Friends of the deceased, after which ’ev. Ryhurn offered a prayer. A Scripture reading by Eiisign Barker was ollowed by another hymn. Rev. Coat-worth gave a very forciful address and the brass band, under conductor Bees ley, rendered a selection if appropriate music. A collection was taken up in aid of the relief funds and resulted in £ll 7s being received. LOCAL RELIEF FUNDS “HAWERA STAR” LTST.

AT THE CHURCHES SPECIAL SERVICES. Sunday was observed in the churches j as a day of remembrance for those who had perished in the great disaster ini Napier and Hastings and of appeal forj all who had suffered so cruelly. There j a-ere large congregations at each service and ail were most impressive. At St. Mary’s Anglican Church the ■ sermon was preached by the vicar, »tev. J. R. Young, who spoke on the words from St. Matthew, vii, 24-27: “Whosoever hearetli these sayings oi mine and doeth them I will liken him unto a wise man which built his house 'upon a rock and the rain descended and the Hoods came and the wind blew and heat upon that house,' and it fell not, for it was founded upon a rock. And everyone that hearetli these sayings of mine and doeth them not shall be likened unto a foolish man which built his house upon the sand, and the Hoods came and the wind -blew and heat upon that house and it fell and great was the fall of it.” The music was appropriate t-o the occasion and the fine solo “Nearer my God to Thee” was sung by Mrs. T. ■Sunderland. The vicar also preached at St. Paul’s, Normanby, at 11 a.m., and at St. James’, Mokoia, at 2 p.m. At St. John’s Presbyterian Church the preacher morning and evening was Rev. R. E. Evans. Before the sermon at each service he read the special appeal put out by the Moderator of the Church in New Zealand, who has gone to the stricken area to consult with Presbyterian clergy there with a view to see what is best to be done. He impressed upon all the duty of giving liberally to the fund for relief of suffering. Mr. Evans’ sermon in the evening was based on Ist Peter, iv, 12-13: “Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you, hut rejoice, inasmuch as ye are .partakers of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory shall be revealed ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.” * It was a specially moving appeal and stressed the fact that such a calamity brought people as

never before to God. He asked for the prayers of all for the comfort of the sufferers, and the whole congregation knelt in silent prayer for a minute or two. The combined choirs sang with great expression the anthem “Abide with me,” and at the conclusion the organist, Mr. H. Glen, played the Head March in “Saul,” the congregation reverently standing. The morning services were conducted by Rev. It. E. Evans and Mr. S. W. Webber, the former preaching on the words “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Mr. Webber gave an address to the children. At the Methodist Church there were large congregations and impressive services. In the morning there was a service for Orangemen, and Mr. H. Thorn ley, organiser, spoke briefly of the order and made very feeling reference to the terrible disastei, In the evening the preacher was Rev. E. S. Emmitt, who took for his text parts of Psalm 37, concluding with the words “Be of good courage.” His theme was that in all the stress and strain of life, just as in the world of nature, the laws of the universe worked unfailingly. So, in spite of earthquake, lire and disaster, Gods eternal purposes worked out for the greatest good to the greatest number. He compared the present earthquake and losses to those great upheavals in Italy and China, which were really so much greater and made people realise the respective proportions. But, lie said, “we have none the less deep sympathy for all sufferers in the earthquake.” But in spite of all calamity he bade all to “be of good courage.” The special anthems sung by the choir were “He giveth His beloved sleep” and “Cometh at last a stillness.” Both were sung with a nice reverence and feeling of sympathy. At St. Joseph’s Catholic Church there were specially large congregations, Mass being celebrated at 7 a.m., S) a.m., 11 a.m., and Vespers at i p.m., and at Normanby at 10 a.m. Eight Rev. Monsignor Cullen read a letter from Archbishop Redwood stating that special collections would be taken at all services on Sunday throughout the arch-diocese and sent to Wellington for administration for the sufferers. Monsigner said that all sympathy would go out to the bereaved and an appeal was made to all who could to help in the billeting of refugees. At the Baptist Church special sermons were preached morning and evening by Rev. Iveith Lwen, making special reference to the disaster. Ensign Prince preached on the “Uncertainty of life” at a memorial service at the Salvation Army citadel and appropriate music was selected for the occasion.

REFUGEE RELIEF CAMPS

EFFICIENT ORGANISATION

EVERY FACILITY PROVIDED.

During the week-end His "Worship the Mavor, of Hawera, (Mr. E- A. P'acevf, ‘Mr. H. G. Dickie, M R, and Mr 'E. P. Cox, representing the Hawera Earthquake Relief Commitee visited the Palmerston North relier c-amps and have returned of the opinion that the organisation for the welfare of refugees is remarkably efficient. They were officially informed that there is still no need for refugees to be drafted from the camps and that centres near at hand are fully to take almost any number at shortest The party was conducted through the camps by Mr. J. A. Nash, M. P., and were impressed by their complete equipment. Tents and cubicles are provided at the showgrounds camps and every facility possible for the comfort of the refugees has been provided, The oateino- was found to be particularly good and ths huge dining rooms are capable •if seating several hundreds at a time. There is a library also and there are nurses to take charge of children. Ihe second camp at the Awapum racecourse is in beautiful surroundings, and here a !iso the visitors hadl nothing hut admiration for the manner m ,which the work of caring for the refugees was effected. At both camps many of the refugees expressed an unwillingness to leave stating that they were very well content to remain. There have been instances also, the party was informed, where refugees, for private reasons, have returned to the camps alter having been billeted. The general desire appeared to be not to get too far a wav from their home towns. About 330 are billeted in Palmerston North and F’eilding, and Wanganui residents are ’preioareidi to take considerable' minihers when the necessity arises The Mayor of Palmerston North (Mr A J. Graham) informed the party that the relief organisation could easily accommodate the present number undei every comfort and that the need had not'yet- arisen for any to he transferred to other centres. It was possible, however, that other towns aught be called upon later. „ , Similar appreciation of the excellent organisation at Palmerston North «as expressed by Mr. L. Preece, of Matap,. on his return from a visit to Hawke s Pav with a lorry load of foodstuffs. Mr Preece was particularly impressed with the transport arrangements in wn.cn cans supplied hv the Mnnawatu Automobile Association played a major part and also with the arrangements made at the camps tor children’ whose entertainment included visits m parties to the theatres and the baths at 1 almerston North.

ACTION IN KAPONGA OFFERS OF ACCOMMODATION. At a meeting on Saturday evening '.lie Kaponga Town Board discussed the question of ft relief fundi for sufforois ; n the recent earthquake m Hawke s B The chairman stated that tlie_ local branch of the Bed Cross had already carried out a canvas for clothing fm immediate needs and excellent noiK '•■ad been done. ~, Members expressed sympathy uitn the relatives of those who had lost their lives and! it was decided that a 'oral fund should be started iinmediatolv With this in view the clerk was instructed to arrange for lists .to ' - placed in the hoard’s office and : >--o >t t,ln> two loca’l hanks . With regard to the billeting of refugees the chairman stated that numerous offers had already been received from residents who were prepared to accommodate- any refugees. Tt was decided to advertise the opening of the relief fund and ask residents having accommodation for refugees to leave their names with the town clerk.

£ s. d.| Previously acknowledged .... SO 7 6 T. Cbckerton, Alton 1 0 0 T. Oasel berg 3 3 0 Tames Sweeney 1 0 0 Mrs. M. Allan, Pihama 5 5 0 IV.M.l i 0 0 T I 10 0 Mr. and Mrs. B. Phillips ... 2 2 0 Adam Hannah 6 0 0 T. Foreman, senr 3 3 0\ Mrs. J. Deacon 1 0 o 1st Hawera Co. Girl Guides 10 0 2nd Hawera Co. Girl Guides 10 0 Mrs. and Mrs. F. C. Bone... 2 0 0 Mrs. and Mrs. A. H. Corey 1 1 0 Mr. and Mrs. N. Lewes 5 0 0 Mr. and Mrs. C. Mureh 5 0 '0 “Anonymous” 1 0 0 s. F. Corrv and family 4 4 0 \Y. T. Good 1 0 0 Mr and Mrs, M. Wiltshire . 1 O 0 H. Paine 2 0 <> Miss D. Bradbury 1 0 0 H C 1 0 0 Mrs Wilmhurst 5 o Mr. and Mrs. C. Purser .... 2 2 0 Hawera Baptist S. School ... 2 10 0 Mr. and Mrs. J. B. Corrigan 50 0 0 F. Gillanders 3 3 0 Mrs F Gillandens 3 3 0 B. C. Bennett 10 0 0 F IV. Sutton 10 0 0 Staff of Bennett and Sutton 5 5 0 Mr and Mrs M. Barraclough 10 0 0 Total 224 3 6 FLTHAM MAYOBi’S LIST. £ s. a. Previously acknowledged — 60 12 6 F. Ham -5 0 0 Mr and Mrs. McWilliam ... i 0 0 Mr. and Mrs. T. B. Crump . 2 3 Mr and Mrs. H. J. Stanners 3 0 Mr. and Mrs. IV. Bigg 1 0 0 IV. Salmon 1 1 Of Mr. and Mrs. H. P. Best ... 5 & Si Mr. and Mrs. P. B. Franks . 2 0 T. IV. Harrison I 1 o) \. McWilliam, junr. 10 0 T. Wonsloy 7 6 A. Munby i 0 0 S. E. Carson 2 2 0 Mangamingi School Comte. . 2 10 0 G Coni ©stone i 0 0 A. Kalstrom i 0 0 PH i 0 0 T. G. Sumner 10 6 H. C. Sanderson 5 0 0 ' B. Pepperell 5 0 0 Mr. F. B. Pepnerell i 0’ 0 Mr J Peppered., senr i 0 0 Y. T Urry i 1 0 F. H. Ashman 10 0 \ sympathiser 5 0 Mr and Mrs. IV. Smith 2 0 0 Mrs. G. Cooper 1 0 0 Mr. S Cooper 1 0 0 Air and Mrs. C. Horrocks ... 2 0 0 H. Donnelly 10 0 V. Havbittle 10 0 v N Do vis 1 1 0 1. Norris 5 0 Miss I. Nnttall 10 0 H IV Hoskin and family ... 5 0 0 Sister G. Brown (nurse) .... i 1 0 Total 120 14 6