EARTHQUAKE REFUGEES.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LI, Issue 120, 22 April 1931, Page 6

EARTHQUAKE REFUGEES.

COSTS OF RELIEF. PALMERSTON NORTH ACCOUNTS. Accounts in connection with the administration of relief at Palmerston North to earthquake refugees were finalised at a winding-up meeting of the executive committee this week. It was disclosed that despite the fact that over 8000 refugees were dealt with at this centre, the cost of relief did not exceed 6d per day for each, bearing very favourable comparison with other centres. The result was in a large measure due to the generosity of both urban and rural residents.

The total cost of the relief afforded in the two large camps at Palmerston North, one of which extended over six weeks, and expenses Incidental to general relief administered from this centre, was £4470, including provision of £250 compensation to the Manawatu Speedway Company.

Railway freiglrts accounted for a charge of over £2OO in the accounts, and the sale of materials Held at the Showgrounds realised £l3O. Supplies of bread, petrol and medical requisites forwarded from Palmerston North to Hawke’s Bay accounted lor an expenditure of £'577. After making allowance for recoveries and credits, expenses for the running of the Showgrounds camp amounted to £3302 13s Id and for Awapuni £562 10s Bd.

There was an additional disbursement of £339 13s 7d in respect of materials and clothing for both camps, while board for refugees who passed through Palmerston North and could not he admitted to the Showgrounds owing to the lateness of the hour accounted for £ls.

Though 3000 refugees in all were billeted in and around the city, the charge on the relief committee for their food and grocery supplies amounted to only £lB 6s Bd.

The Mayor (Mr A. J. Graham) conveys his thanks to the Manawatu and West Coast A. and P. Association, all public bodies, business firms and private citizens in ; both town and country districts for their generous attitude and ready assistance during a critical period of stress.