NAPIER RECOVERING

Northern Advocate, 11 February 1931, Page 5

NAPIER RECOVERING

SMILING COUNTENANCES j A GARDEN CITY VISUALISED. RELIEF WORKING SMOOTHLY. (Pei Pres» Association.—Copyright.) NAPIER, This Day. Tho weather is fine ami cool and the sea moderate. The last heavy shock was at 11.45 last night, twenty hours ago. Complaints have been made by many that they lack information ro the death roll. Tho explanation is that the police will not release information until absolutely certain of identity or the impossibility of proving it. As fast as the police are satisfied, nanies will be sent on, but H is necessary that patience should be the watchword. Firms Reopening.

Further firms which have announced that they are recommencing are Bestalls, drapers; 'H. Y. Williams, ironmongers etc.; Rogers and Co., furniture factory. It is expected that the Masonic Hotel will protect its license, and a building will be erected as soon aa permission for a permanent building is obtained.

The CosmopolTfan Chib will also rebuild, Both the Masonic Hotel and Cosmopolitan Club are insured against damage by earthquake. Further businesses to open immediately are:—Humphries and Humphries, Williams and Kettle, Niven and Co., Plowman’s factory, Marsden’s book shop, Bull Brothers '(builders), J. Duthie and'"Tto., and D. B. Frame (architect). Diversion of River.

The position of the rivers is not so serious as was at first thought. The north bank of the Tutaekuri is damaged for three miles, creating poten tial danger, but active ■ steps are being taken to >put things in order, and it is probable that the river will be immediately diverted through the overflow channel from Meanee to the sea at the Waitangi river, a scheme provided for by the board. This overflow channel is already in existence, and the banks are secure. AD •that is required is the deepening and widening of the pilot channel of two miles. This will give the same fall to the sea, and will cut out four miles of the present course. A JTew Restriction.

It is now necessary for all residents td'posscss permits to be on their own property. This has been done so that people discovered on sections and in buildings will be able to produce. proof of their right, and those who cannot will' have to answer a few awkwmrd questions. Police patrols are hot all -conversant with the people, and this step has been consid ered essential. The people have readily accepted the regulation. Smiles Returning. One feature now pleasantly noticeable is the number of smiling countenances to bo seen on all hands, and the few remaining women arc sotting a good example in this direction. An air of confidence is rapidly returning, and all are looking hopefully forward to a few months ahead, when a ■ model garden city wall be successfully planned and in course of construction, In the meantime no building of a permanent character is being permitted. At The Cookhouse Door. The supply of meals is now on a most satisfactory basis. There is [plenty of food, well cooked and up to ■ time. The military authorities have got the production of meals and the .treatment of all down to a fine art, and there is a total lack of confusion. Queues are sometimes a couple of hundred yards long at each cookhouse, but expedition is the keynote, and it is satisfactory to note the tone of appreciation from the diners, who sii all over the park. THREE HEAVY SHOCKS. LAST NIGHT’S EXPERIENCE.

f?er Pres* Association. —Conyrifiht.7 NAPIER, This Day. The weather is tine and tho sea moderate. There is no wind. Several heavy shocks were felt during the night, including throe between 4 and 5 a.m. Minor shocks are fre quent.

VICE-REGAL TRIBUTE.

SPLENDID SPIRIT DISPLAYED

(Per Pres* Association.— rropyrigtit."/ PALMERSTON N., Tuesday. On his arrival from the earthquake area this afternoon, the GovernorGeneral, Lord Bledisloe, issued the following statement: — “After our recent sojourn in the

area most grievously stricken by the earthquake disaster I desire, in view’ of what w’c have seen and heard, to record our respeett'u admiration of the splendid spirit, indomitable pluck, patient, endurance, resourcefulness and unflagging mutual helpfulness animating its whole population, European and Maori alike, of both sexes and all ages, in face of death, bereavement and irretrievable losses.

“It lias made us fool proud to belong- to th'e British race, so happily co-operating in this country and in this crisis with the noble Maori people, The pKit traditions and quality of both have been put to the acid test arid magnificently maintained.”