THE EARTHQUAKE

Hokitika Guardian, 26 June 1929, Page 5

THE EARTHQUAKE

MURCHISON NEWS. ' (By Telegraph—T'resfl Association). NELSON, June 62. Murchison camp was disbanded today and the telegraph office at Murchison temporarily closed at 11.30 this morning, a telephone being left for the use of two police officers, Constable Kobertson, of Murchison, and Constable J. Jackson, of Nelson, who is keeping guard with him. Uoth are to remain about and the telegraph office engaged in the trying ordeal ha\e been IT. Patterson (Postmaster at Murchison), P. Moreland (cadet), B. 11. S. Read and J- R. McKay (exchange clerks'). Two Nelson telegraphists, Messrs H. 11. Buchanan and James McLaughlin were sent on to Murchison to relieve the stall' there and have s’ ent many trying days in the town. Dr Pataki df Nelson Hospital staff proceeded to Murchison yesterday to relieve Dr,.-McLean, who has rendered great service since the ’quake. it is estimated that fully seven hundred Murchsion refugees are now in Nelson. The Railway Department alone carried 522 and in addition many came in by motor, some going straight to personal friends. Everything possible is being done for the newcomers. Hon. W. W. Snodgrass, who accompanied Mr J. G. Coates on his recent visit to Murchison, said to-day that mention should ho made in connection with the splendid work that has been done at Murchison of the efforts of a Salvation Army officer, Capt. Walker, of Reefton, and Wni. Bloom, who set out for the stricken area from Reefton. They went to see if assistance was required at Upper Manila area, and finding matters fairly satisfactory there proceeded on down to Murchison where their services have been much appreciated. To have accomplished the journey under present conditions in an errand of mercy was very fine.

QUIETENING DOWN. NELSON, June 26. Jt was stiil raining at Murchison this afternoon but the quakes and rumblings have quietened down considerably. Newman Bros, took a full service car load through to Murchison today. These are mostly settlers who have been out for some days, and are going back to their homes, leaving their wives and families in Nelson.