PUBLIC RELIEF FUND.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21098, 4 February 1932, Page 11

PUBLIC RELIEF FUND.

FINAL DISTRIBUTIONS.

ANNUITIES TO WIDOWS. SMALL MARGIN ANTICIPATED. [BY TELEGRAPH.—OWN CORRESPONDENT.] NAPIER, Wednesday. Finality is now in sight in connection with the distribution of the £390,000 subscribed to the earthquake fund by the public of New Zealand. Practically all that now remains to be done is the provision of annuities for those who lost breadwinners or who were'incapacitated at the time of the disaster, and- it is expected that the Central Relief Committee will be called together shortly to deal with recommendations made by those hearing the applications. A total of 110 cases of widows and Hependants who suffered from the earthquake as the result of de.ath or injury in the family is now being considered by the Government actuary, who is calculating the sum required to provide funds to pay for the maintenance of these people over various periods. These recommendations, together with those made by the Napier Relief Committee, will be considered by the Central Relief Committee. Most of the other types of applications for assistance have been disposed of, but there still remains a sum for repairs to dwellings for which no accounts have as yet been received, also for about 500 drainage repairs, which are in the same position. If, after these applications and those from widows and dependants have been finalised, there is a. balance unexpended, the central committee will decide in what direction it will be spent, although it is not anticipated that there will be a very great sum available. Late applications for repairs to dwellings, amounting to £IO,OOO, are being held by the committee and have not yet been dealt with, and it is possible that any unexpended money will be used for this purpose. ANNIVERSARY TELEGRAMS. VICE-REGAL REMEMBRANCE. [BY TELEGRAPH. —PRESS ASSOCIATION.] HASTINGS. "Wednesday. Several telegrams dealing with the earthquake anniversary were received by the Mayor of Hastings to-day. " On the first anniversary of the earthquake," says a message from the Gov-ernor-General, Lord Bledisloe, your fair town and its people are much in our thoughts and sympathy. We pray that vour courage, perseverance and faith may be rewarded with speedy rehabilitation and increased prosperity and happiness." THANKSGIVING " SERVICE. APPRECIATION OF SYMPATHY. [BY TELEGRAPH.—PRESS ASSOCIATION.] NAPIER, Wednesday.

Three thousand people attended tho open-air earthquake anniversary thanksgiving service this evening. The principal speaker was Mr. J. S. Barton.

"It is inevitable," said Mr. Barton, " that our thoughts should revert to thf> happenings of a, year ago. There is much we wish to forget, and we trust

to the. softening touch of time to lessen the poignancy of our memories. Wo are, however, assembled to-night because there is much we desire to remember, and it is for the set purpose of strengthening the records of memory and deepening our sense of appreciation of the kindness jyid sympathy received tiiat we have gathered. " It seems fitting, firstly, to voice our thanks as a separate community speaking to the rest of the Dominion. A year ago we were indeed separate. were geographically isolated. To-night we wish to recall how speedily all kinds of communications were restored and quickly they were at once tested to their utmost capacity to carry tokens of your sympathy, comfort and help. .v.? memory heartens and inspires us to-night and we say collectively from our hearts * Thank you.' <{ We remember also that the event of a year ago . touched the hearts of a wider circle We recall that sympathy and help came from the King, from the Royal Family, from the Kings representative in New Zealand, from the King s advisers throughout the Empire and from his people of all classes and callings. It. also came from Governments and people throughout the world. This rouses in our hearts not only the deepest gratitude, but feelings of national pride, and pride in our common humanity. " We hope it is no unworthy contribution to the country's spiritual resources that Napier to-night finds comfort in the philosophy that things are never so bad but that thev might have been worse, and in the belief that difficulties and discouragements are never so great but that, the help and sympathy of our fellow citizens are encouragement and inspiration to face and overcome them.