WAIROA'S HARD TASK

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21292, 20 September 1932, Page 11

WAIROA'S HARD TASK

ORDER OUT OF CHAOS 'RESTORING THE SERVICES PROMPT MEASURES TAKEN THE 'PROBLEM OF FINANCE [bt telegraph—OWN correspondent] GISBOKNE, Monday A test greater than that which befell Wairoa in February of last year is being faced to-day by the same residents with a, degree of courage and enterprise that should win the admiration of New Zealand. With the, bridge connection between the two sections of the township demolished, the water supply and sewerage systems badly deranged, houses lacking chimneys and tanks and business premises damaged to an extent that in many cases will involve complete demolition and reconstruction, the residents have taken in hand their respective tasks in a general effort to bring order out of chaos and to re-estab-lish, at least in a temporary manner, the modern services and amenities that formerly made the town. Wairoa is fortunate in having as Mayor and members of the Borough Council practical men. The waterworks system was considered of the first importance and a large number of men have been engaged in preparations to utilise as an emergency system the independent pipeline to the freezing works from which water was to be tapped with the object of bringing it through North Clyde and over the river to serve both portions of the town. Lighting System Restored

Reference to the programme of immediate works undertaken by or on behalf of the Borough Council was made by the Mayor, Mr. H. L. Harker, when the council met Mr. D. W. Coleman, M.P. for the district, to discuss measures for securing the assistance of Parliament in Wairoa's hour of severe trial. Restoration of the lighting system has been one of the first tasks for the welfare and reassurance of the residents, Mr.

Harker said, and this had been carried out most expeditiously. Lighting troubles were considered to be over for the time being. In regard to the water supply problem the Mayor stated that the Public Works Department officers had taken over the task of restoring the supply. A rough survey showed that there was a great deal to do before the water could be tapped, as there werife over 75 leaks and one section of several chains would have to be taken uPConcerning the cost of this work the Mayor mentioned that in conversation by telephone with the Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. G. W. Forbes, he had stated that there was no hope of Wairoa paying for the restoration of the water supply, and that the town must have Government aid in this connection, as in others. Fire prevention measures were also dealt with by the Mayor, who said that he had gone to much trouble to secure a suitable pump for emergency use during the period for which the water supply was cut off. Napier &nd Wellington had yielded nothing of the kind the council had hoped to procure, but an Auckland firm had on hand a pump which answered requirements. He had taken the responsibility of - ordering this pump on hire and the machine would probably be landed at Waikokopu on Thursday. Cleaning Up the Streets

The cleaning up of the streets had proceeded well and the Public Works Department had intimated that an officer would be sent from Napier to carry out an inspection of buildings with a view to ascertaining their condition. Through Mr. J. b. Jessep, deputy-chairman 01 the Unemployment Board, arrangements had been made for a supply of tanks and chimneys to those registered unemployed who were owners of their own homes and who had SU Mr.e Coleman tlie Wairoa Council that he would do all in his power, both privately and. .as member for the distnct, ?o procure assistance for the people Wairoa in their task of restoration He felt Sent that Waima's plight «H amjeal to all members of the House ?t Representatives as deserving of relief in , some substantial way. Gisborne people, as Tv-ell as Wairoa residents, would be put to heavy expense in reconstructing damaged VuiJlrfincrs and if no Government help was forthcoming many wonld ha faced wth bankruptcy.' TWO MORE SHOCKS reports from country WIDESPREAD DAMAGE [BY TELEGRAPH —PRESS ASSOCIATION] "WAIROA, Monday Only two major shocks were felt today, one at 11 this mormng and the other at four o'clock this afternoon. They caused no concern. . Reliable reports now being recelved show the earthquake veered in its in a remarkable manner It practically • missed Mahia and at Opoutame the damage was--slight, but Nuhaka Wha -kaki and Tuhara suffered se ™' el y* schoolmaster's residence at Tuhara wa thrown off its piles and then turned ovei. Near by residences suffered heavy damage. The railway line between Wairoa and Whakaki was buckled in numerous P I » C «»- At Mangapoike the road was covere landslides. , , At Opouiti £svo young men had a miraculous escape from death. The roof of the house in which they were Bl£ *P'"& collapsed,' coming to rest on the head, of their beds. The men escaped unmRuakituri Valley r°ad is completely blocked by boulders which fell from the near by hills and it will take st least a month s work before the is again open for traffic. The intimation of the Prime Minister s intention to launch a national appeal tor financial assistance was received in wairoa with feelings of gratification. r to receipt of the Prime Minister s announcement a telegram was Mr. -Gerhard Husliecr, of the National Tobacco Company, placing £l5O to the credit of the-Mayor for relief purposes. The t Mayor, Mr. Harker has telegraphed to the Rt. Hon. J. G. ° - stating tliat the position without a bridg is unbearable and asking him |" 0 .? immediately for a pontoon bridge or some other means of uniting e Sides of the town. _____ SURVEY OF SITUATION MR. FURKERT TO REPORT [BY TELEGRAPH —PRESS ASSOCIATION] WELLINGTON, Monday The Prime Minister announced to-day that Mr F. W. Furkert, Engineei-m Chief of the Public Works Department, 's to leave Wellington immediately foi the Wairoa and Gisborne districts. Mi. D'Urkert. will.make a complete survey ot the earthquake area and repor Government as to the extcn damage.