MILLERTON DISTRESS

Hokitika Guardian, 18 June 1931, Page 6

MILLERTON DISTRESS

TELEGRAMS FROM MINISTERS (By Telegraph—Per Press Association) ;v WELLINGTON, June In.. Last eXhming Mr H. E. Holland, Mi.P., received the following telegram from the Minister of Education “With reference to my telegram of yesterday, the Right. Hon. the Prime Minister informs me that he has conferred with the Minister of Health and understands that the Hospital Board is granting relief where necessary.” The Prime Minister also telegraphed to Mr Holland to the following effect: “Have received your telegram and regret, that there should be such distress at Millefton as stated. 1 have,been in conference with the Minister of Health on the subject and understand from him that, the Hospital Board is granting relief where necessary. I have had inquiries made of the Railway Department as to whether it can give any orders for coal from Millerton, but am informed that this coal is totally unsuitable for its requirements, and that, the Department is unable to assist in this direction." Aiiss Holland received a similar wire from Mr Forbes.

Mr Holland sent the following reply to both the Prime Minister and the Hon . Mr Atm ore : “R egret exceed ingly, Government will not act re Milierton The Hospital Board is doing everything its finances permit, but it cannot possibly cope with the situation. Afr best it can’only relieve cases of extreme urgency; Tile position is such that only Government action can be effective.”