STRICKEN JAPAN

New Zealand Times, Volume L, Issue 11649, 13 October 1923, Page 5

STRICKEN JAPAN

N.Z. CONTRIBUTES £25000 TOWARDS RELIEF OF EARTHQUAKE VICTIMS. TIMBER AND BLANKETS WANTED '•lmmediately after receipt of the first news of the great earthquake disaster in Japan, the New Zealand Government (stated the Acting-Prime Minister, Sir Francis Bell, to a "Times” representative yesterday) notified its desire to offer, on behalf of the Dominion, such aid in the relief of the sufferers as might be offered with due respect to the dignity of Japan as one of the Groat- Powers. “It was obvious to the Government that the first necessity was to provide with all speed food and other necessaries of life for the huge population whose resources bad been suddenly destroyed. From the neighbouring shores of their colonies and naval depots, Great Britain, America, and other nations were able to make such provision by fleets, which could in a brief period he loaded, dispatched to, and arrive at the required destinations. But the geographical distance of New Zealand from Japan is such that we could not render that class of aid until long after the immediate necessity had been met. For that reason the New Zealand Government, by cable, through the Governor-General, offered to supplement the efforts of His Majesty’s Government by substantial contribution to the cost. The Secretary of State cordially recognised New Zealand’s desire to join with His Majesty’s Government in its effort; but, as the immediate danger of starvation had. been met, suggested that the New Zealand Government might ascertain through H.M. Ambassador at Tokio the wishes of the Government of Japan on the subject. “That course was adopted, and we were informed that money would be accepted, but that supplies of timber and clothing were the most urgent necessities. The Government endeavoured to obtain freight, and if that difficulty could have been met would have prooec-ded to purchase large quantities of timber and blankets in New Zealand. It was, however, found impossible to arrange for shipment in considerable quantities. The Government, through His Excellency, informed the British Ambassador of the position, and ascertained that the equivalent in money would be accepted. The sum of £25,000 is now in course of transmission to the Ambassador, to be handed by him to the Japanese Government from the Government of New Zealand as our contribution to the relief of the sufferers from the disaster. “From the first the matter has had anxious and continuous consideration by the Government, which has throughout desired to comply with the wish of the people of the Dominion that some practical proof should be given of our sympathy with the Japanese nation, and our grateful memory of its alliance in the Great War.”