Manawatu Daily Times Earthquake Consequences

Manawatu Times, Volume LIV, Issue 6945, 26 June 1929, Page 6

Manawatu Daily Times Earthquake Consequences

With the passing of the days the catastrophe which has stricken the West Coast of the South Island grows in magnitude. Stories of eye-witnesses and estimates of experts combine to emphasise that the upheaval in point of intensity and duration must have been one of the most violent in the history of mankind. Indeed the main cause for thankfulness should be that the stricken area was so sparsely populated, for had one -of our crowded cities been visited by such a violent upheaval it would certainly have been laid in utter ruin with heavy loss of life.

It is impossible yet to estimate accurately the enormous damage done to public and private property, The chief engineer of the Public Works Department, who was promptly despatched to the stricken area by the responsible Minister (Hon. E. A. Ransom) has presented a preliminary report which is sufficiently serious to be really disquieting. The damage done to the roads alone will place a heavy burden on the Dominion’s finances. Mr. Furkert states that the work of reconstructing the Bullcr Gorge road alone will take years to complete and will involve an expenditure of over £1,000,000. Add to this the outlay necessary to repair subsidiary highways—some of -which have been wiped out altogether—to replace bridges, schoolhouses, post offices and other public buildings, and it will be seen that the Government may have to find a sum approaching the second million. Ono point which has caused speculation and some ■criticism is the suggestion made by the chief Public Works engineer (who is also chairman of the Main Highways Board). The present needs,, observes Mr. Furkert, show the wisdom of the Highways Board in having a good credit balance at its disposal. Exactly what is implied ill this statement is not quite clear, but Mr. Furkert cannot blame people if they infer that lie intends it to be understood. that he is in favour of using Main Highways funds for the work of road restoration in the stricken areas. The Highways Board derives its revenues from taxation borne by the users of motor vehicles, and it was surely never intended that the proceeds of such taxation should be utilised to meet a case of the kind now presented.

The task created by the West Coast catastrophe is one which should be met by the whole resources and energy of the Government working through the Public Works Department, and not be made an excuse for weakening the legitimate functions of the Main Highways Board. In any case, how far can tho board’s resources be made to meet the great need of the Coast ? Other funds will be necessary, and it is probable the Government will bo faced with tho necessity of providing for reconstructional work out of a special loan.

Owing to tlio damage done to the building by Monday’s tornado, no classes were held at the Palmerston North Girls’ High School yesterday. Temporary repairs will have been effected to enable the classes to resume to-day.. J

Sympathy with sufferers in Monday’s whirlwind in Palmerston North, was expressed at the meeting of the Chamber of Commerce yesterday afternoon. The question of affording relief was discussed, and after inquiries have been made, a special meeting will be summoned if it is found necesary to assist.