NOTE OF OPTIMISM.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20302, 9 July 1929, Page 12

NOTE OF OPTIMISM.

THE FUTURE OF MURCHISON.

APPEAL BY COUNTY CLERK. GOOD TIMES TO COME. SPEEDY RECOVERY PREDICTED. [ Xiv TELEGRAPH. —OWN' COItH KSI'ONDFNT. ] NKLSON, Monday. In an interview to-day Mr. Hugh Eraser, county clerk, who luis done, so much for the Mnrehison district during the earthquakes, said it was a matter of deep concern to those who si ill had faitli in the district t" hear some of its residents declare that they would never go hack to live. " Whether it. he farmer or business man or woman surely, with a few exceptions, it, is much too soon to decide so vital a question," he said. "Some suffeied a. greater shock than others. Some suffered much greater loss of property than others, and until the nervous system is restored to normal and a calmer survey made of tho damage to property, it seems most unwise to make definite plans or resolutions. " The Mnrehison people were as a whole a contented and fairly prosperous community when the earthquakes came and upset them temporarily. They were a happily united people, just like one big familv, and it would be a matter for regret if the earthquake resulted in too many gaps in their ranks. It may be taken for granted that others will take, tho places of those who may finally decide to leave, but the point cannot bo too strongly emphasised that in some cases at least they may 'go far and fare worse.' The history of earthquakes seems to show that seldom indeed does any locality suffer a second visitation soon after such a shake as Mnrehison has just experienced, and it is probably ono of tho safest places in New Zealand for the nest century or so, which is long enough for most of us. EfZect Upon Production,

" True a few farms havo been rendered totally unfit for dairying, others nave been badly damaged as to greatly reduce their productivity for a time, but the great majority of farm lands have sustained little or no damage. The output of dairy produce may be reduced bv 25 per rent., or even 30 per cent., next season, but anyone wth a knowledge of tho district and its possibilities will admit that it is capable of making a completo and speedy recovery in point of output. " Few farmers or others have escaped fairly heavy losses through damage to buildings. This is general over most of the country and will call for courage and determination to build up again, but this does not materially affect production. It is oil some of the farms that tho greatest moasure of assistance is needed, and probably relief funds cannot well bo better applied than in as far as possible getting producers on their feet again. Representations Ignored.

" As for tho houses, a good gang of men under skilled direction would soon put theso in order, and tho making of all homes habitable would seem to bo tho most urgent and pressing need of the moment. Although representations wcro made only three days after tho earthquake suggesting that tho Public Works Department should undertake the restoration of homes, three weeks have now passed without any move having been made. In the meantime more or less depreciation of property is taking place through leaking roofs, otc. It is, howover, admittedly difficult for the Government to decido or declare its policy until tho full extent of the damage in all parts has been ascertained. Taking it for granted that sufficient funds will ultimately ■bo made available for this purpose, cither by tho Government or those controlling the relief funds, the Public Works Department might well be authorised to proceed with the restorntion of chimneys at once, and the cost of tho work could bo treated as part of tho compensation or relief moneys payable. "It is not a case of sitting clown and waiting for tho Government to do everything. It is simply impossible for individual householders to secure the necessary skilled labour. It is a matter of the greatest importance that tho Government should take steps to assist tho peoplo in this way, for it would not only speed up a return to normal conditions, but it would also do much to restore confidence.

"Many men havo already returned to their homes, and tho womenfolk are eager to join them at the earliest possible moment but tho unwisdom of women and children returning to many of tho homes in thoir present condition cannot be too strongly stressed. A Big Task Ahead. "So far as Murchison is concerned 'the sun has not gono out of business.' Thero aro good times coming. The very considerable expenditure of public money there, which is assured, will of itself make business brisk and benefit tho whole district by increasing tho amount of ready money in circulation. Thero is a big task ahead, but tho majority of tho people havo tho courage and the faith to faco it, and will ultimately reap their reward. "One of the immediate tasks Murchison has to tacklo is the removing from the minds of those who cannot view it for themselves the damaging impression of the district which must have resulted from tho exaggerated reports given by excited people. It can easily bo understood that tho effect on tho district and on its credit would be serious if such extravagantly incorrect reports were not refuted. "Three weeks ago Murchison was regarded by many as a sinking ship. In three years' time, with the railway right into the township, tho main highways to the Coast and over the Lewis Pass completed and everybody happy and prosperous, it will bo the envy of many who now regard it as a veritable no-man's land."