POSITION AT HASTINGS. THE HAWKE’S BAY DISASTER.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21258, 12 February 1931, Page 11

POSITION AT HASTINGS.

THE HAWKE’S BAY DISASTER.

TERRIBLE TOLL OF LIFE. TWO HUNDRED AND THIRTY-FIVE DEATHS ORGANISATION OF FOOD SUPPLIES Authentic estimates which are furnished this morning of the total loss of human life in the Hawke’s Bay earthquake make apparent the full magnitude of the * disaster in all, its stark tragedy. One hundred and thirty-five people were killed in Napier and 9 7 in Hastings, where three persons who are reported missing are also presumed to be dead. In both towns a number of bodies are still unidentified, and there is the probability, amounting almost to a certainty, that <i the ruins of Napier conceal the bodies of further victims of the upheaval. An efficient organisation for the restoration of the ruined towns is rapidly taking shape, and a comprehensive scheme for the distribution of food, covering the whole population, has been evolved. Reports from the country districts-—an aspect of ■ the disaster hitherto overshadowed by the plight of the capital centres—show that enormous damage has been wrought, though Mr Furkert, taking an optimistic view, does not regard it as irreparable,

HASTINGS DEATH-ROLL. AN AUTHENTIC LIST. TOTAL OF ONE HUNDRED LIVES. (Per United Press Association.) HASTINGS, February 11, ; The following list of deaths in - the earthquake at Hastings has, been telegraphed by the Press Association agent attached to the staff of the Hawke’s Bay Tribune, Hastings. The list has been most carefully compiled from official sources, and every casualty has been double checked from the original register and mortuary records, and then collated by the Tribune under official sanction. The dead number 97, and the blissing (presumed to be dead) three. Other bodies may yet ,be recovered: — -: ■ ; DEAD. .ALLEN, Miss Sylvia. ALEXANDER, Thomas Wilson (Pakipaki)'; BARRETT, Mrs Sarah Naomi (Napier). BARTLE, William Morley (Hastings). BARTLEET, Mrs Mary Hodge. BERRY, Myra George (wife of Thomas Henfy Berry).BOWEN, Kathleen.-; A BROOKER, Henry. - v ; , .. : BROWN, .Raymond. BUCK, Miss M. BRACE, Mr H. H. BUTLER, Miss Gwen (Havelock North). CAMBRIDGE, Olive (Hastings). i CLEARY, Miss Gladys Alma. COCKERILL, Mrs Emma Clare. COLE, Mrs, wife of Frank Cole. COLE (two boys): COLEBOURNE, J. H. COOK, Thomas (Havelock North). COUPER, Phillipa (niece of Dr Whyte). DIMON, Henrv (Hastings)., DRUMMOND, Charles Gordon. DYER, Bert (Hastings). , ELLIS, Mrs Olive F. (Greenmeadows). FARMERY, Miss G. - FITZPATRICK, Mrs Colin (Hast-, ings). FREDSBERG, Reg. Ernest. GIGG, Albert. GILL, Thomas Henry. GOOD ALL, Albert. GOODALL, Ivy May. ■ GRAHAM, Ray. GRANT, Gordon (chemist). GRUDENOFF, Miss Nina. HARRIS, Doreen Myra (Eskdale). HAXTON, Sabina May. HAXTON, Doris May. HENEY, Cyril Herbert. HEIGHWAY, Janies (Woodford). HOULIGHAN, Miss Eleanor May. HOLLAND, Edward (Palmerston 1 North). HORSLEY, Mrs Constance. HOOPER, Bryan. HUNT, William (died at Waipukurau). JENSEN, Mrs (Haumoana). JENKINS, Lily. JONES, Ernest Cecil, Williams street, Hastings. JONES, Miss G. (Roach’s Ltd.). LAMBERT, Mrs Walter. LEANING, Ernest. LEWIS, Pcrcival. LINCOLN, Mrs (Roach's Ltd.). , LOVE, William. MOUNGA, Raina Maira (Bridge Pa). MOUNGA, Kotora (Bridge Pa). MURCOTT, Doris Maud (Woodvillc). MURRAY, Dina (daughter of Mrs and Dr Murray). MURRAY, Mrs D. R. (Heretaunga street, Hastings). M'DONALD, Jock (Heretaunga street)• M'LEAN, Miss Mary (at Napier), M'LENNAN, J. R. (Havelock Norths. M‘LEOD, Edith Mary (wife of D. F. M'Leod). M'LEOD, Mrs Alice (Pakipaki). MACMILLAN, Irvine (of Napier). NUTT ALL, Elsie Ella. OGILVIE, Bertrand Verdun. O’NEILL, Miss Margaret. ORR, Miss Doris. RATTRAY. Alexander (Riccarton). ROSS, John Alexander. RUSS, Rodney Francis. RYAN. Arthur Lever (Tribune reporter). SHACKLEFORD, Leonard. SCHMOLL, Ernest George. SCOTT, Mrs C. (Oliphant road). SMITH, Mrs (Roach’s Ltd.). SPENCE, Shona Aileen. STEER, Mabel Ann. STEVENSON, George. SYME, George. THOMPSON, Ivy. TONKIN, I. TURNER, Mrs Linda (found in Karamu road, Hastings). VERCOE, Dick. WALKER, Herbert.

WALKER, W. L. (power house). WEAVER, Marjorie (aged six wesks) • WELLS, Miss Molly. V V' WHITE, William. ■ U WHYTE, Patricia (daughter of Dr Whyte). YUNG, Hong. •

FiVe unidentified bodies were buried (three females, one male, one sex unknown). MISSING. ASHWORTH, Ellen (Tikokino). YOUNG, Nan Hong. ALLOWAY, Miss Ivy Patricia (Roach’s Ltd.). THE NAPIER DEATHS. TOTAL OF ONE HUNDRED AND THIRTY-FIVE. MANY BODIES UNIDENTIFIED. (Per United Press Association.) NAPIER, February 11. The total number of deaths in Napier was 135, including 24 bodies which have not been identified. Two identified bodies and one unidentified were buried in a common grave yesterday afternoon. The identified bodies were those of 'STANLEY GEORGE VENABLES, aged 16, of Clive, who was found in the X-ray department of the Public Hospital. GEORGE FREDERICK BENNETT, aged 37, of the Provincial Hotel. The unidentified remains were those of a male inmate of Park Island Home. The body of the following person has been definitely identified:— Mr LEO KYLE. : Fifteen benzine cases containing charred remains ai - e lying at the Napier Courthouse, which is being used as a morgue. HOSPITAL PATIENTS. ADMISSIONS AND DISCHARGES. (Per United Press Association.) PALMERSTON N., February 11. The following is the latest report from the Palmerston North Hospital:— PATIENTS ADMITTED. Mrs D. Allen, refugees’ camp, showgrounds. David Davis, show grounds. Henry Davy, transferred from Convent to hospital. Joseph Gwyn, Napier Hospital. Richard William Jane, Park Island Home, Napier. Jean M/Kenzie (a baby), showgrounds, Palmerston North. Gladys H. Thompson, Napier Hospital. PATIENTS DISCHARGED, R. W. Bee, Hastings; E. Mulvanah, D. Sullivan, Napier; Miss 0. M. Warwick. Passed through from Napier to Wellington, Mrs Bangart, Mrs Gilbert, Mrs Kennedy. CONDITIONS IN NAPIER. HEAVY SHOCKS DURING NIGHT. INNER HARBOUR AREA. RAISED ABOVE SEA-LEVEL. (Per United Press Association.) NAPIER, February 11. The weather is fine, the sea moderate, and there is no wind. Several heavy shocks occurred during, the night, including three between 4 and 5 a.m Minor shocks are frequertt. The New Zealand Film Exchange, in conjunction with the Gaiety Theatre, has arranged to screen silent films at Nelson Park nightly. A special screen is being fitted, and the operating machine which was recovered from the Gaiety is being used. Although the building containing the municipal bath was badly knocked about the pool is intact, and is now being filled with sea water for bathing purposes. The inner harbour, which extends from Greenmeadows to Bay View, a distance of over six miles by four miles wide (but which must not be confused with

the part of that area called the inner harbour scheme) has been so raised that it is possible to walk from end to end without encountering sufficient water to stop one’s progress. Before the shake this area ranged from a few inches of water at the ends to 16 feet in places in the centre. It is feared that the boating and bathing facilities have ceased for ever, but in return it will soon be possible to add the whole area to the map as land instead of water. This area was one of the show places of Napier, and a holiday resort for many people from all over Hawke’s Bay, and even further afield. It sprang in a year into great popularity, and many houses were recently erected on its shores. The warship Dunedin sailed at noon. There are no marines now in the town, but special constables in sufficient numbers are available for police duties. Other firms announcing a resumption of business are the Hawke’s Bay Motors, the Acetone Welding Company, and Messrs D. S. Laing and Sons, Marsden’s book shop, Bull Brothers (builders), J. Duthie and Co., and D. B. Frame (architect). The wrk of erecting a large wooden building for the combined banks is in progress at the corner of Clive square and Munroe street. The Daily Telegraph is utilising two surviving buildings in Hastings street near the Telegraph Department, and announces that it will resume publication to-mor-row. i

No compulsion is to be used in connection with inoculation against typhoid, but those offering will be treated with T.A.B. The fact that compulsion is not to be imposed is indicative of the splendid position of the town from a health standpoint. Two young men were arrested in Edwards street for stealing cars. These are the only men to be detained since the earthquake. THE COUNTRY DISTRICTS. INSPECTION BY AEROPLANE. GOOD WOEK OF DEMOLITION BANDS. (Per United Press Association.) NAPIER, February 11. The weather is fine this evening, with a slight easterly breeze. The, sea is slightly heavier. One school, which was undamaged, will open on Monday. It is expected that all the children in Napier will be able to attend it. Mr H. F. Baird, of the magnetic observatory, Christchurch, made an inspection of the country by plane, covering the whole coastline from Cape Kidnappers to Wairoa. In his opinion the origin of the earthquake was seaward of Waikari, approximately 40 miles to the north of Napier. Mr Baird noted that all portions of the coast and hills were displaying slips, small ones at the end of Cape Kidnappers, and the largest near Waikari. Further small slips were observed beyond Wairoa. He asserts that the largest one was a mile long by half a mile broad, and it fell into the sea. It was similar to those at Murchison, which the observer also inspected. From that point, continued Mr Baird, the force of the movement gradually weakened until there were no visible signs of recent earth slides inland. He found that the greatest force had been exerted near the inner harbour, and the land there had apparently been raised considerably; but the great severity of the movement had lessened considerably at Hakowhai, a small picnic spot 10 miles West of Napier, and the force had rapidly diminished as it spread to the country further inland. He expressed the opinion that a further considerable lift had been caused in the hills west of the inner harbour. The country near the Waikaka Lagoon, on the coast a few miles north of Wairoa, appeared to have fallen, because the water from the lagoon was running over the grassland. There were considerable signs of depression in that area.

No major shocks have occurred since those reported this morning. The Telegraph Department now has the rush of telegrams in hand, and the mails are being disposed of with the exception of parcels, which cannot be sorted chiefly owing to the lack of space. Wonderful work is being done by the demolition bands, and temporary premises are springing up. Habitable business premises which have been passed as safe are being re-occupied. It is stated that the loss of securities in legal offices- is not so severe as was feared, the fire in some cases not being able to secure a hold inside the partly opened doors of the strongrooms. HILLS CRACKED AND BROKEN. FEAR OF LANDSLIDES. (Per United Press Association.) WELLINGTON, February 11. An inspection of the hill country around Napier extending north for 30 miles reveals the fact that the district is faced with more trouble. The hills are so cracked and broken that the first heavy rain must send them hurtling into the valleys. The area affected extends from a few miles west of Taradale along the western side of the inner harbour and on to Waikari. 1 It is thought that the damage really extends to Wairoa, but confirmation is so far lacking. v The roads are reported to be in a shocking state. The east coast railway stood the shock better than was expected, and a'l the viaducts are standing, but the track is twisted and torn. The Waikari Gorge is reported to have ceased to exist, and this fate threatens most of the valleys and gorges in the district outlined above. ROADS AND BRIDCES. DAMAGE NOT IRREPARABLE. SHOALING OF THE HARBOUR. (Per United Press, Association.) WELLINGTON, February 11. The chief engineer of public works (Mr F. W. Furkert), "’ho returned from the devastated area, to-day, was most optimistic regarding the reconstruction of all damaged roads and large works in the Napier district. “ None of the damage is irreparable,” he said. “ It is merely a matter of money.” Few of the bridges had been badly damaged, he continued, and some hardly at all. . The .matter of repairs would be a fairly easy one. There was no question at present of replacing the damaged wooden stuctures by reinforced concrete. Temporary repairs only would be made to enable the bridges to carry the traffic safely. “ There is no doubt,” Mr Furkert said, “ that reinforced concrete has come out of it wonderfully well.” Asked as to the actual rise in the case of the seabed of the Napier Harbour, Mr Furkert said it was seven feet, and Jhat this rise was a general one for miles. I There was no question of the harbour i he.ing out of business. The Veronica, 1 drawing 13 feet, had got out, and though

money would have to be spent the harbour was still a harbour that could be made use of. The breakwater was not damaged at all, with the exception of a few cracks, but the breakwater wharf was damaged, though not irreparably. “ We should have all the streets in both towns cleaned up in a month,” concluded Mr Furkert. THE TELEGRAPH SERVICE. MULTIPLEX SYSTEM RESTORED. (Peb United Press Association.) WELLINGTON, February IE The secretary of the General Post Office reports that telegraphic communication With Napier and Hastings is now normal, the multiplex printing system having been reverted to. Adequate provision is made for messages to Auckland and Wellington on this system. Sufficient telegraph circuits to Hastings are also available. Telegraph traffic to the earthquake area continues brisk, but is moderating, and can now be handled without undue delay. The conveyance of telegrams by aeroplane is no longer necessary, and has been discontinued. The chief postmaster at Napier advises that with the exception of the road to Wairoa the routes are now normal. INFORMATION BUREAUX. GOOD SERVICE BY Y.M.C.A (Per United Press Association.) NAPIER, February 11. The Y.M.C.A., under the direction of its National Committee, has a chain of information bureaux for the purpose of connecting friends and relatives outside the stricken areas with unfortunate friends in the Napier district. Each bureau is in charge of a Y.M.C.A. secretary, with a large staff of clerks and investigators, who are searching the devastated areas to find people who are anxiously sought by friends throughout New Zealand. The Napier bureau since its inception has handled over 2000 inquiries, and over 1000 wires have been sent informing relatives of the whereabouts and condition of their friends. The members of the bureau staff are working 16 hours daily, and are performing valuable service. Apart from acting in liaison between people in the stricken area and friends, they are also assisting in the disposal of the mails, giving comforts of tobacco and cigarettes, and supplying general information. SURVEY OF SITUATION. EXTENT OF RELIEF WORK. A PRODIGIOUS TASK. RESTORING ESSENTIAL SERVICES I .Special to Daily Times.; NAPIER, February 11. With the passing of the days Napier is showing many signs of a renewal of the old spirit of endeavour that marked its activities just after the earthquake. Since Monday the amount of work done in every direction has been prodigious, and those who attended the meeting of the Relief Committee this afternoon realised, perhaps for the first time, just how much has actually been achieved in the short space of a little over a week. There were numerous reports from those responsible for the organisation of the various aspects of the relief work and the rehabilitation of essential sevices. From the start the Relief Committee has worked excellently. It was particularly apparent to-day that the close co-operation that has been brought about by centralising the whole work has been eminently successful and that the outcome will be far more satisfactory to the town and the district than would have been the case if a system of haphazard effort had been countenanced. One of the most important steps reported to have been taken to-day was the formation of a Municipal Reconstruction Department, and from the comprehensive nature of the work that it is to undertake it is certain that it will figure ■ prominently in the rebuilding of the shattered town. The new department will take over the organisation of the reconstruction of the water and drainage systems, together with other issues such as building, water, and sanitation inspections. It will work in co-operation with the Health Department and the Fire Board, with which it will co-ordinate upon the question of fire risks. It will supervise the restoration of essential municipal services and the reconstruction of dwellings and business premises, as well as keeping a watch upon the issue of building permits, in the granting of which there is every indication that much care will be exercised in future. The department will co-opt the services of as many municipal officers as possible, the object being to hand over the activities to the Borough Council as the necessity for emergency measures ceases to exist. So far the Public Works .Department is doing nothing more in respect to dwellings than repair roofs free of charge, although its activities in other directions are most extensive. If the owners of houses desire certain work to be done, it will be performed, but a record of the cost will be kept fpr future adjustments. It is estimated that about 99 per cent, of the chimneys in the town were built with lime mortar and not cement mortar, and a considerable amount of reconstruction will be necessary, entailing the removal of the walls of the houses to replace the chimneys. People are extremely diffident about going Back to their houses, and it is bard to get anyone to sleep indoors. Even when people do start to go back to their houses it will be some months before the essential services are completely restored. At the present moment the Napier Relief Committtee is not encouraging women and children to return, although it is stated that it is only a question of time before it will be safe for them to do so. A proposal was made to-day that the cost of ■ all work done by the Public Works staff for property owners should be debited against the amount of relief money the owners will ultimately receive, and for this reason records of costs are being The committee decided to-day that a sub-committee, comprising town planners, engineers, and architects, should be pet up with the object of formulating recommendations for the reconstruction ot the business area of the town. Tins committee will naturally co-operate with the Government in any work of a similar nature that it might carry out. It'.has already been stated by the Prune Minister that the Government will go into this question. The Borough Council ia daily receiving requests for permits to undertake rebuilding, but these have been refused in the meantime. The whole question is to be reviewed, and important, though confidential, steps have already been taken in this direction by the Prime Minister (Mr G. W. Forbes) in conference with the heads of the Napier Relief Committee, In the meantime the remaining atones of Napier’s 'business area are being pulled to the ground, and it is quite conceivable that within a short time the central area will be completely razed to the ground. This is preliminary to the rebuilding on I large scale, which is bound to be carried 1 out, as there is already being expressed a determination on all sides to erect a new 1 town on the site of the old. The Public Works Department reported to the Relief Committee to-day | that a total of 530 men were employed at ! the moment by it on variousc works. Of these 194 were engaged on street cleaning and 202 on building restoration. It is i expected that by the week-end there will i be enough room for two cars to pass in the main streets, mahy of which have I been badly blocked so far, although the I men from the warphips did splendid work i in this direction. It was also reported to | the committee that there were 1258 l labour registrations in Napier, of which : 200 had been made by men from other towns. The chairman of the committee pointed out that the unemployment problem in

Napier would be serious if men were allowed to enter the tojvn indiscriminately. It is intended that as far as possible preference will be given to local men in the allocation of work, and it is hoped to have an adequate system of classification and registration in the nextcouple of days. A difficulty lias arisen concerning the rate of wages to be paid to men in the town, and the committee to-day decided to make it mandatory upon employers to pay no more than award rates to those they employ as casual labourers. Mr Morse said it had come to his knowledge that more than award wages was beingpaid by one outside firm, and it was not desired that the work of rehabilitation should be hampered by the payment of wages that were too high for many employers in the area. Work is proceeding satisfactorily in the re-establishment of drainage and water sex-vices throughout the town and suburbs. The risk of fire is considerable, although it is being reduced daily. The greatest risk at the moment exists in Napier South, and it was stated at the committee meeting to-day that two instances of men setting fire to their dwellings had been reported. An indication of the serious attitude being adopted in regard to rebuilding was given to-day by the chairman of the Relief Committee, who is also the chairman of the Hospital Board. He said that he was investigating the possibility of - having the hospital reconstructed on the present site, and a telegram was read from the Minister of Health (Mr A. J. Stallworthy) stating that he was going into the question. It has been ascertained after an inspection of the parts of the hospital still standing that they are not so badly damaged as appeared at first, and it is stated by Mr F. W. Furkert, chief Public Works engineer, and Mr J. Hair, the Government architect, that they can be repaired without extensive structural renewal. Outside the town itself there is the ever-present danger of serious flooding should rain fall in any quantity. The river banks have in many places fallen in, thus blocking the flow of the water, and there is a serious menace to the lowlying portion of Napier as a result. This question is engaging the attention of the Public Works Department as well as the Hawke’s Bay River Board, and it was reported at a meeting of the board to-day that the Government had decided to provide tip to £IO,OOO for the carrying out of necessary work on the river banks to provide for the free flow of water. In the town business firms are generally anxious to reopen their doors as soon as possible, and it is likely that temporary structures will start to take shape in the near future. The Relief Committee is co-operating in permitting the erection of temporary buildings, as it is realked that people should be encouraged to return to their work and their homes as soon as practicable. DEPARTURE OF DUNEDIN. COMMODORE’S FAREWELL MESSAGE. GENEROUS RELIEF CONTRIBUTION. (Special to Daily Times.) NAPIER, February 11. In a farewell message to the Napier Relief Committee, Commodore Geoffrey Blake, who left for Auckland on the Dunedin to-day, said: “ I can assure you that the thanks which yon expressed yesterday with regard to the services rendered by the navy were much appreciated. We were fortunate to have the Veronica at Napier when the earthquake occurred, and also to bo able to leave Auckland at short notice ourselves. Although we have endeavoured to give you as much practical assistance ns lay in our power the most valuable service was not so apparent. To my mind, the fact that your very hard-hit people, stunned both physically and mentally by the magnitude of the disaster, saw some organised effort being made to start again gave them a feeling of confidence, security, and cheer. They have responded wonderfully, as is shown by the manner in which you are now tackling the job. In leaving you, I wish you from the hearts of the officers and men of the New Zealand Squadron courage, fortitude, and a happy issue from your great trial.” In a further letter to the committee the commodore stated that he had made an appeal to the men of the warships to assist the stricken area, and they had responded by contributing 1530 to the Relief Fund. DIOMEDE AND VERONICA. NAPIER'S GRATITUDE EARNED. (Per United Press Association.) AUCKLAND, February 11. The Diomede and the Veronica returned to Auckland to-night and anchored in Rangitoto channel. The Veronica will go into dock to-morrow in order that an examination of her hull may be made. The following message to the squadron has been issued by Commodore Blake:“The Mayor of Napier and the chairman of the Relief Committee have requested me, on behalf of the citizens, to convey to all concerned their heartfelt thanks tor the services rendered to them by the navy in their time of need.” THE RELIEF OF DISTRESS. LARGE FAMILY OF REFUGEES. HEALTH OF PEOPLE SATISFACTORY. (Special,to Daily Times.) NAPIER, February 11. The relief authorities in Napier are still catering for a large family of refugees, and truly wonderful work is being done to relieve the distress that is evident on every side. • The camp at Nelson Park has been placed on a permanent basis and every precaution is being taken to protect the health of those sheltering there. An indication of the heavy task being carried out by the staff at the camp is given by the fact that at one sitting at the encampment at the park 4680 hot meals were served. One of the chief difficulties is the absence of money. Practically nothing can be bought, and arrangements have been made for the distribution of new clothing and boots to those in need. These are being supplied on orders signed by the employers of the men, who have to make their own arrangements with their employees for subsequent payment. Unemployed persons are to bo supplied free on an order from the Salvation Army which will be given only after an adequate reason is provided by the person for being unemployed. In that respect the position is being carefully scrutinised, as the report of Inspector Gumming of the Police Department to-day indicated that many outsiders are reaching the town. Up to the present no permit to enter the region has been required of travellers by rail, and the inspector stated that many men were arriving by train and asking for jobs. Some bad travelled from as far as Christchurch, and in most cases they required accommodation, blankets, and food. In order to cope with those who are inclined to make an easy living out of the situation he put forward the suggestion that all idle lorries in the town should be commandcrod by the police and all idle men rounded up and put to work clearing streets and demolishing the ruins. Some of these men, the inspector stated, were at present getting more than three meals a day. They were appearing every time there was an opportunity of getting something to eat. It would be an excellent thing if they could be used to clear

up the stricken area at once and the whole of it handed over clean and ready for rebuilding. The Citizens’ Committee heartily approved of the inspector’s proposal, and it has referred it to the executive to co-operate with the Public Works officers and the police to endeavour to put it into operation.

The Power Board has continued its policy of connecting essential services and 12 more of those are now being supplied. A start is to be made to-morrow connecting the houses in Napier South and on part of the hills. The houses are being inspected first, and are not being connected unless they are electrically safe and occupied. To date 450 houses have been connected, and to-morrow the power from Waikaremoana is to be switched on. It is unlikely that gas supplies will bo available for at least six weeks or two months. So far there has been no case of an epidemic disease at the hospital, and Dr T. M'Kibbin, of the Health Department, stated at the committee meeting to-day that tests so far made of the water mains had been good. Further tests were being continued around the town, and in the meantime the water must be boiled before use. Steady progress had been made with the sanitation at the camps, where large numbers were crowded and conditions were now good. PLIGHT OF PRIVATE SCHOOLS. PARTICULARS OF DAMAGE. BEOPENINGS POSTPONED, (Special to Daily Times.) NAPIER, February 11. The earthquake of last Tuesday has had a serious effect upon the activities of the various schools in Hawke’s Bay, and apart from those within the heart of the devastated area, private institutions some distance out have suffered. From appearances Te Aute College seems to have suffered most actual damage. The clock tower has fallen, and other parts of the building are unsafe. Fortunately there were no pupils at Te Aute or at lona and Woodford House Girls’ Colleges outside Havelock when the earthquake occurred, as the new term had not begun, and boarders had not returned. One or two members of the staff had returned to lona, which is- badly cracked, and which will not be habitable for at least some months. Much damage was done inside the buildings which form a beautiful block overlooking delightful garden slopes. The walls are cracked badly in places, and it is stated that a complete survey will have to be carried out before anything can be done. Practically no one" has been inside since the shake, and one or two of the staff are sleeping in a garage on the road. The school will not be reopened for some time, although the period required for reconditioning is indefinite. Woodford House does not appear to have suffered extensively, 'although all the chimneys are down and cracks have appeared in various places. It is thought by the school authorities that work can be recommenced soon, but here again the buildings will have to receive a close examination before the exact extent of the earthquake’s effect can be ascertained. Te Aute and the Girls’ Colleges have not suffered as much obvious damage as other buildings in the affected area. However, it is clear from an examination that they are not fit for occupation at once, and that close scrutiny will have to be made of both foundations and walls before boarders are readmitted. TWO SEVERE SHAKES. CONDITION OF NAPIER HARBOUR (Per United' Press Association.) NAPIER, February 11. There have been two fairly severe shakes since 3 o'clock, but no minor ones. It was reported that Miss Eunice Heath was among the dead, but she is safe and well, except for slight injuries. Captain White-Parsons, the harbourmaster, has issued the following report on the condition of the harbour:—•“ The whole roadstead is shallower by 7 feet than it was previously. The inner harbour lagoon has been emptied, leaving a depth at low tide of 7 feet. The range of the tide is G feet to 7 feet and the high-water depth is, therefore, 14 feet. Vessels of a 12 foot draught can enter at high tide. The entrance to the breakwater has a depth of 31 feet at low tide, with about 25 feet at the Glasgow wharf. If soundings remain as at present vessels with a draught up to 22 feet can berth at the breakwater at low tide.” NAPIER AND HASTINGS BANKS. RESUMPTION OF BUSINESS. (Special to Daily Times.) WELLINGTON, February 11. All the banks which did business in Napier and Hastings have announced their resumption on February IG, and they will by that time have suitable premises and accommodation for their staff s. Mr Janies Fletcher, of the Fletcher Construction Company, stated on his return from the earthquake district that in Hastings the Bank of New South Wales’s premises are being reconstructed, and proper banking facilities for that bank and the Bank of New Zealand will bo available when business resumes. There is a vacant area at the rear of these premises, on which new buildings will be erected to accommodate the National, Union, and Commercial Banks and the Bank of Australasia, It will be completed by February IC. In Napier, Mr Fletcher stated, negotiations are in train to secure a building which is standing, and it is to be fitted for the business of the six banks formerly represented in that town. This also will be ready for occupation on February IC. He and his fellow-directors of the firm had visited both towns and organised sufficient labour within the area to cope with these urgent works. No call would be made for outside labour, and full provision for material was being made from the local stocks. WEDDING IN NAPIER. (Per United Press Association.) NAPIER, February 11. Two young Napier persons were married at the Presbyterian manse in Vigor Brown street on Saturday night. They were Mr George T. Harvey, second son of Mr and Mrs F. G. Harvey, of Ashley Gorge, Canterbury, and Miss Dorothy Helen Flinn, eldest daughter of Mrs B. A. Flinn, of Shakespeare terrace. The ceremony was performed by the Rev. jEI. A. Gould.

DISTRIBUTION OF FOOD. A RATIONING SCHEME. EVERYONE TO REGISTER. (Special to Daily Times.) HASTINGS, February.ilThe temporary relief measures for food distribution in Hastings have practically come to an end, and a permanent scheme originated by Sergeant-major O’Leary, of the Permanent Forces, was approved by the Citizens’ Relief Committee today. This will become fully operative by next Monday, and in the meantime the system of ’ distribution has been placed on a better basis. In placing his scheme before the committee, Sergeant-major O’Leary gave the members to understand that the town had passed through the emergency stage, and that it had entered upon the second period, in which measures for food distribution and other organisation would have to be placed on a sounder footing. The scheme approved by the Central Committee will place everything on a business-like basis. Food will be issued free to those who cannot afford to pay for it, and the complete registration of everyone in the town will ensure that those who have money or who, being Government employees, will draw their wages in the ordinary course of events, will be made to pay for everything they draw.

It is recognised by those controlling the food service that it is their duty to give provisions to everyone who was a bona fide resident of Hastings when the earthquake occurred. The position is that with the destruction of the 10 main blocks in the town employer and employee have been reduced to the same status, and in many cases to the same level of necessity. The town’s responsibility is to feed everyone until they can find work and so be in a position to fend for themselves. The authorities are fully aware that a large number of men have come into the town since the earthquake, and that they are living on free food supplies without any colour or right. The system of registration devised by Sergeantmajor O’Leary will result in these men being shut out of free food and stores, and it will mean that they will have to leave the town and so relieve the position considerably. The registration will be compiled from the borough roll, the electoral roll, and the unemployment register, which, fortunately, was com-’ pleted to date on the day before the earthquake, and will prove of great assistance. Those who have come into Hastings since the earthquake will not be granted registration unless they can prove that they are engaged on essential services. On registration being completed a ration card will be issued. This will contain the man’s name and address, and upon it will be entered particulars of the number of dependents upon the man who has registered. His food will be rationed on the basis of these particulars, and it will be decided by the authorities whether food to the value of, say, 7s or 12s a day will be issued to any one man. These ration cards will tide over the issue of food until a man can obtain work, when he will- receive a ration book in which will he entered the name of his employer, and he will be debited with the cost of the food issueed. In the case of public servants these people will receive their wages on the due date, and against them will be debited the cost of the food they have received. Adequate measures have been taken to ensure the feeding of persons in Hastings until the scheme mentioned comes into full effect on Monday. In the meantime, the population has been divided into four classes. The first comprises the official staff and the second those men who are engaged by the Public Works Department on hard manual labour. The third class includes all persons who are destitute and who are unable to find work, either through infirmity or old age. In the fourth class have been grouped all those who are willing to work, but who arc unable to find jobs. The Red Cross Society has undertaken to cook for the first two classes, but the other two classes are expected to fend for themselves. The whole idea at the moment is to get business back into its normal channels at the earliest possible moment, and everything is being directed towards this end. So far as the patrolling of the town is concerned the civil police and a force of special constables have taken over the supervision of the residential area. They are patrolling the area in twos, and the special military police are patrolling the streets in between those covered by the uniformed police. As each block in the centre of the town is salvaged, picketing will be withdrawn systematically. The general opinion in the town is that those who have carried out volunteer picket work have rendered excellent service, and it. is considered that they should be paid for their services by the Government. The men have maintained order, throughout and they have prevented looting from taking place. Practically nothing has been removed illegally, and there is a strong feeling that the men and youths who have worked day and night in maintaining Hastings in a state of orderliness should receive some tangible recognition of their work. A somewhat similar system of food distribution to that in Hastings is being carried out in Napier, although the position in the latter town is entirely different owing to the fact that the whole of the business area, including stocks of food and equipment, was wiped out and only a few small suburban shops were left. The stocks of these small shops have already been used up, and the Food Committee has had to rely on the importation of food supplies. It is therefore not possible for a system the same as that in Hastings to be brought into force, but the intention is to establish a system that will enable the tradespeople either by means of concerted action or individual effort to take over the question of food supplies as soon as a sufficient number of temporary premises are made available. THE HASTINGS TRIBUNE. (Per United Press Association.) WELLINGTON, February 11. Information about missing friends or inquiries for them, instructions for the preservation of public health, the official edicts of the Relief Committee, and such other items as are more useful than journalistically ornamental have comprised the greater part of the matter appearing in the bulletins issued by the Hastings Tribune. The paper is carrying on" in a small building generously lent by a local printer. All the type is hand set and the leaflets are run off on a machine operated by treadle. Altogether it is a plant that Caxton would not greatly have coveted, but it is doing the job, and standing up to the work well. The Tribune Company, though its building was to all intents completely ruined, was fortunate in the fact that only slight damage was done to the plant, and it will begin on Monday to publish at the usual premises under mor<or less normal conditions. It is probable that an eight-page paper will b< published daily and enlarged later.

INTERESTS OF MAORIS.

TO SHARE IN RELIEF WORK PROMISE BY THE MINISTER. (Pee United Press Association.) HASTINGS, February 11. Yesterday a meeting of Natives of various tribes .from the districts between Porangahau and Napier was held in Hastings to meet Sir Apirana Ngata, the Native Minister. There were about 100 representative Maori men and women present. The Minister was formally welcomed by the Right Rev. F. A. Bennett, Bishop of Aotearoa, and Mr Hori Tupaea. Sir Apirana Ngata expressed his deep sympathy with the Native as well as the pakeha people in the whole of the afflicted area. He said how glad he had been to hear the most favourable reports of the way in ■which the Native race had come to the rescue of those in need of assistance, and trusted that the existing committee, known as the Maori Welfare League, would carry on the good work in which it was now engaged. In his Ministerial capacity he would be glad to use the league for the welfare of the people as a whole throughout the devastated district. He would consult the Prime Minister (Mr G. W. Forbes) with the object of providing definite employment in the work of the reconstruction of both Napier and Hastings. The Minister informed the gathering that he had met the trustees of Te Ante College, which had been largely destroyed by the earthquake. One of the first jobs of the Maoris would be the reconstruction of the building, which he expected would provide a fair amount of work. He had received several requests that the Native people in various parts of New Zealand should be allowed to send provisions for the' Maoris. Some tons of potatoes had been sent in the meantime. So far as the future was concerned they would require a little time to think out the details of the recon--~.-j3truction work in connection with the Nthori homes that had been destroyed, but he could assure the Maori people that they would not be forgotten. In anything connected with reconstruction the Maori unemployed would be absorbed as far as possible. He was glad to hear that the Maoris were asking for work and not depending on charity. So far they had done excellent work in the town, and he trusted that the very cordial feeling already created between the two races would continue for all time. After the meeting several business men approached Bishop Bennett and Sir Apirana Ngata and spoke most enthusiastically of the work the Maoris have done since the earthquake, one man saying:" They have set an example to everybody, and one that will never be forgotten.” NO WORK FOR OUTSIDERS. (Pee United Press Association.) HASTINGS, February 11. The Mayor of Hastings (Mr F. G. Roach) advises the Press Association agent here that no employment can be given at present to any but local residents owing to the number of men already thrown out of work. WORKERS RENDERED IDLE. STATEMENT BY PRIME MINISTER. (Pee United Press Association.) WELLINGTON, February 11. As a result of the earthquake a considerable number of people have been thrown out of employment, while in addition many other workmen in the Dominion are seeking employment. Many of these men are qualified carpenters, builders, and artisans. The Prime Minister states that preference in regard to employment will be given to those who have unfortunately been thrown out of work by the earthquake, and there is no likelihood of any labour shortage. Australian workmen are strongly advised against making the trip to New Zealand with any expectation of securing employment in the damaged area. CONTROL OF THE TOWN. RETAINED BY COMMITTEE. PROSECUTION FOR PILFERING. . (Pee United Press Association.) HASTINGS, February 11. A suggestion that the Hastings municipal authorities should take over from the' Emergency Committe the civil control of the town was deferred by the Hastings Borough Council at a special meeting to-day. The Emergency Committee had already considered going out of existence, feeling that the handing over of control to the Borough Council would restore confidence among the people. The committee has now modified its original suggestion to the extent of deciding to carry on with a reduced personnel, and in the meantime will continue to function as the authority with full control. The borough treasurer said the council had £7OOO or £BOOO in hand, and the amount would be sufficient to enable it to carry on for some time. The 10 per cent, addition on unpaid rates will be held over till Parliament meets. The borough elections have been post- ** A case of pilfering came before justices in Hastings to-day, when a man named Kiddle, who was in business here as a fruiterer at the time of the earthquake, was fined £ls, in default three months imprisonment for stealing books from the library ruins. He was caught coming away with books at 0.30 this morning. ' THE RELIEF FUND. ADDITIONAL DONATIONS. (Per United Press Association.) WELLINGTON. February 11. The Prime Minister’s relief fund now amounts to £39,627 15s Id. ASSISTANCE FOR CHEMISTS. (Per United Press Association.) CHRISTCHURCH, February 11. The annual conference of the Pharmaceutical Society of New Zealand, which was arranged to be held at Rotorua on March 3, has been abandoned. ihe Pharmacy Board made this decision at a meeting in Wellington on Tuesday, being of the opinion that the money spent on the conference could be put to a better use in helping chemists in the earthquake area, especially in Napier, whose bustnesses bad been completely ruined. It was decided to vote £IOO for immediate assistance. A Dominion appeal is to be made to chemists by the board for contributions to a fund for the purpose of helping chemists in the earthquake area to reconstruct their businesses. COMMERCIAL TRAVELLERS’ “ CASH ” DRIVE. i The Commercial Travellers’ Association is entering on its campaign to raiee money for the Mayor’s Earthquake Relief Fund with the greatest enthusiasm. What •is termed the “great cash drive” will take place on Saturday morning. The association is sending out a circular to •very householder in the city and suburbs

explaining the aim of the movement, and also envelopes in which donors can place their donations ready for the call of the cash collectors. Every collector will wear an official blue badge, and he will be the only authorised person to call on householders. Some 300 collectors in all will be engaged in the drive, and they will have a heavy morning’s work, as they are expected to 'call on 16,790 homes in four hours, that is, from 8 a.m. to noon. Donors would, therefore, assist very greatly by having their envelopes ready for the collectors.

Messrs Bing, Harris, and Co., Ltd., are contributing £2OO to the Earthquake Relief Fund. This amount is being paid to the authorities in Wellington.

At the monthly executive meeting of the Otago Master Grocers’ Association it was resolved that the sum of £SO be given to the Mayor’s Fund for the relief of the earthquake sufferers. In accordance with a message received by the president during the evening, a further £lO will be given towards the same object by the grocers’ employees as a body. Mr Cyrus H. M'Cormick, jun., vicepresident of the International Harvester Company, has cabled from Chicago to Mr R. W. Morgan, managing director of the International Harvester Company of New Zealand, Ltd., Christchurch, as follows:—Sending £oo Napier relief account memories beauty of city.” Mr M'Cormick toured New Zealand in 1929. and visited Napier, and was very much impressed with the beauties of that city. At a meeting of the combined committees of the Dunedin Operatic Society (incorporated) and the Petite Soiree Club (social club of the society) it was unanimously decided that the net profits of the forthcoming petite soiree revue should be devoted to the earthquake disaster relief. It wae stated that the proprietors of His Majesty’s Theatre had offered their co-operation in the effort, and would give the theatre rent free for two nights and afterwards at a reduced rate. The production is expected to return a total profit of about £4OO. WORK OF RESTORATION. CENTRAL COMMITTEE. THE FIRST MEETING. (Per United Press Association.) WELLINGTON, February 11. The first meeting of the Central Committee set up to administer the relief funds was' held to-day in the office of the Prime Minister. It was announced later that so far there was nothing for publication. To-day’s mail train from Napier to Wellington had on board refugees numbering 300. Their principal destinations were: Main Trunk, 38; Taranaki, 28; Palmerston North, 38; Wellington, 102; South Island, 7; Wairarapa, 7. There were no cot cases. STATEMENT BY MR FORBES. LOCAL COMMITTEES TO ACT. (Per United Press Association.) WELLINGTON, February 11. Seen after the meeting of the Central Relief Committee to-day the Prime Minister (Mr G. W. Forbes), who presided, stated that a series of resolutions had been carried. “ Local committees are to be set up in Napier, Hastings, Wairoa, and in the country districts in Central Hawke’s Bay,” said Mr Forbes. “ These committees will consist of representative men of public institutions, local bodies, and representative business men with whom the Public Trustee will be associated. The building of chimneys and the making of houses habitable is being put in hand by the Public Works Department, which is also going into the question of cleaning away the debris in those cases in which people are not able to do it themselves. Every expedition is being used.” Prior to the meeting of the Hawke’s Bay Central Committee Mr Forbes presided at a meeting of the Central Committee set up to administer the funds subscribed to assist those who suffered as a result of the earthquake on the West Coast on June 17, 1929. When asked if any decision had been reached on the proposal that the balance of the West ‘Coast Fund should be transferred to the Hawke’s Bay Fund, Mr Forbes said that thfere were several important matters that yet required further consideration. These had been held over for a later meeting of the West Coast. Committee. EXPRESSIONS OF SYMPATHY. (Per United Press Association.) WELLINGTON, February 11. The following further message of sympathy in connection with the disaster has been received by the Governor-General (Lord Bledisloe) :—“The West India Committee desires to convey to your Excellency and the people of New Zealand, especially those in the stricken districts, its deepest sympathy.” “AN EMPIRE LAMENTING.” DIGNIFIED CARTOON IN PUNCH. (United Press Association.) (By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.) LONDON, February 10. The earthquake subscriptions now total £9415, including £IOOO from Lord and Lady Wakefield, £IOO from Sir Charles and Lady Fergusson, and 100 guineas from the Ancient Order of Foresters. The Lord Mayor appeals for contributions, which be asks should be sent to Sir Thomas Wilford in order to avoid duplication. Consequent on the opening of the Mansion House list Punch publishes a dignified cartoon by Bernard Partridge. entitled “ An Empire Lamenting,” depicting Britannia beside a half-masted Union Jack gazing compassionately over the devastated city of Napier. EMPIRE PRESS UNION. MESSAGE OF SYMPATHY. (United Press Association.) (By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.) LONDON, February 10. On the suggestion of Major Astor at the Empire Press Union’s coming of age annual dinner it was agreed to telegraph the New Zealand branch the union’s sympathy in the earthquake disaster. The Rotary Club, 'Hamburg, has cabled in the following terms to Mr H. J. Guthrie, district governor of Rotary in Now Zealand: “ Deepest sympathy in your bereavement.” At a meeting of the executive of the Drapers, Clothiers, and Boot Retailers’ Association yesterday the following resolution was adopted : —“ That this executive on behalf of the members expresses its heartfelt sympathy with the bereaved and injured and all who are suffering as a result of the disastrous earthquake in the Hawke’s Bay province.” On behalf of the 4ZO radio family, telegrams were sent this week by Uncle Ben to the Mayor of Napier (Mr J. Vigor Brown) and the Mayor of Hastings (Mr G. F. Roach) expressing sympathy with the bereaved, the refugees, and especially the little children who had been rendered homeless by the earthquake.

A reply was received last night from Napier thanking the 4ZO family for its kind thoughts. MEDICAL COMFORTS FROM DUNEDIN. In response to the urgent appeal from Wellington on Sunday evening a ladies’ committee of the St. John Ambulance Association has forwarded 6000 bandages and a liberal supply of underclothing, hot water bags, towels, and clean old linen. These ladies and their capable assistants are to be congratulated on the promptitude with which the goods were despatched to the St. John Medical Stores Depot in Wellington, which is functioning under the authority of the Public Health Department as a collecting and distributing agency for medical stores and comforts for hospitals and refugee camps accommodating earthquake sufferers. PROCESS OF RECONSTRUCTION A FORMIDABLE TASK. DEMOLITION OF DAMAGED BUILDINGS. (Special to Daily Times.) HASTINGS, February 11. Every nerve is being strained now to get Hastings back on something like a business footing. The difficulty is that all the business streets are still littered with stone, bricks, sheets of crumpled corrugated iron, and general debris which was thrown into the roadway by the workers engaged in recovering bodies. Some streets are still impassable, but the Public Works Department is busy clearing up, so that the owners can obtain access to their properties. In a few cases the owners are salvaging their stocks, particularly perishable goods, tons of which still lie rotting in the ruins. All the efforts of the town in the past terrible week have been concentrated on making the town sanitary and safe to live in. The water and sewerage systems are now functioning normally, and Dr Hughes, medical officer of health at Auckland, who is in charge of the health of the town, states that the housing is extremely satisfactory. He advises the public still to boil water for drinking and all domestic purposes, such as washing dishes and cleaning teeth, as a precautionary measure, but the early fears of a pestilence rising are now entirely removed. With the restoration of the two most essential public services the thoughts of the business people are turning to those who fled from the town when the earthquake occurred. A desire is expressed in some quarters for the return of the refugees, but so long ns the provision shops are closed and all food is rationed, as it is at present there is little inducement, for the refugees to return, other than their curiosity. No one can yet use the kitchen ranges, as every chimney is down and repairs are permitted only under the supervision of the borough inspectors. This work alone will take months to complete, as in the majority of cases structural repairs have also to be carried out to the rooms damaged by the fall of bricks. The people are thus forced still to do all their cooking in the garden, and as long as the earthquake tremors continue most people will follow their practice of sleeping out of doors. The slowness characterising the laborious process of rehabilitation was strikingly evidenced in Heretaunga street today when the owners of destroyed buildings walked _ disconsolately through the ruined premises waiting the permission of the Relief Committee to remove the debris. In several cases the owners have been informed that they must do nothing until adjoining premises, whose condition is considered dangerous to life, are demolished. The Public Works Department, whose temporary controlling officer in this town is Mr L. B. Campbell, is demolishing the buildings one by one. The buildings’ inspectors are kept extremely busy examining damaged shops to determine whether they can be repaired or whether the structural damage is such that the safest course is to demolish them. Their task at present is most difficult, because bound up in their decisions is the question of preparing entirely new building by-laws which will necessitate the erection of earthquake-proof structures. All buildings of which brick formed the structural integral are down, whereas buildings constructed of reinforced concrete and brick panels that do not carry the weight have come off best of all. Following urgent representations by the Citizens’ Committee, Hastings has been supplied by the Police Department with 32 additional constables, who have been brought into the town from Auckland, Wellington, Wanganui, and other centres. Their apnearance has done much to allay the fears of the residents left in the town. The police force in Hastings now .numbers 50, instead of the normal force of 12. Inspector Lander, of Wellington, has arrived to assume control of the augmented force. The police patrol the residential part of _ the town every night, with the co-operation of territorials, leaving the guardianship of the devastated central portion of the town to the volunteer patrols, who number 140. REBUILDING THE TOWNS, A GIGANTIC UNDERTAKING STANDARD CONSTRUCTION NECESSARY. SUGGESTIONS BY PROMINENT CONTRACTOR. (Special to DAav Times.) WELLINGTON, February 11. “ Reports from Hastings and Napier regarding the damage to buildings have been really under-estimated,” stated Mr James Fletcher, who, with his brothers, Messrs William, Jack, and Andrew Fletcher, directors of the Fletcher Construction Company, visited the devastated area and returned yesterday to confer with the Prime Minister regarding the demolition of dangerous buildings and other practical steps towards restoration. “Unless a personal inspection is made, continued Mr Fletcher, “ it is impossible to gather an adequate picture of the dreadful results of the earthquake Various reports hive been published allegging a lack of organisation. They are not only false, but really a slander on the wonderful work which has been carried out by the navy the chief engineer of the Public Works Department (Mr F. W. Furkert), and bis staff, and the citizens of Napier and Hastings. A more complete organisation could not have been possible. “ Here we have two cities with hardly a public building standing, roads blocked from side to side with debris piled up, in some instances as high as five feet, power, light, water, and drainage cut off, and telephone and telegraph wires a tangled mass. Yet within four days of this devastation we have the streets of Napier so far cleared as to permit access to almost every part. Electric light and power is available; a telephone system is connecting up the various headquarters of the relief organisations, and a newspaper is printed in the area giving news regarding the victims and also instructions of the utmost value in the common interest, and directions where relief depots may be found. Provision was made in this brief time also for drainage on the higher levels, and a water supply for everyone.” Ae regarded food and clothing, this was organised to a wonderful degree of efficiency. All stores of food and clothing had been commandeered and were being distributed in such a manner as to supply all the requirements without waste. The absolute lack of panic, combined with the wonderful spirit of determination on the part of the people to see their cities rebuilt, must be encouraged, continued Mr Fletcher. “ It is the duty ot everyone outside to

help with contributions or labour. This is not a time to exploit these people, but a time to give them the utmost assistance. Nobody should be allowed in the area unless on urgent business. There should be a census of everyone within, and then such classes of labour as are required could be allowed to return under permit. Thousands of chimneys will have to be rebuilt before the winter sets in, but we must guard against a repetition of the West Coast earthquake experience, where bricklayers were making up to £2 per day on this necessary work. Every home can be made ready before the winter, but this must be done under a proper system of control. The Public Works officers in Napier are fixing iron over the holes in the roofs where the chimneys have been destroyed, thus saving thousands of pounds of further damage should the weather breaks.”

“ After viewing the destruction, do you think buildings can be built in the area with a reasonable prospect of safety '! ” Mr Fletcher was asked. “ In Hastings,” ho said, “ there is a building standing which was constructed of brick and reinforced concrete on plans which embodied the experience of the San Francisco earthquake, and there is not one single mark on it. Stock which was loose inside has been thrown about and smashed to atoms, but the building is sound —a tribute to the design and the builder It is an absolute proof that properly designed structures will withstand the most severe earthquake. They may be damaged, but they will stand, thereby considerably reducing the loss of life. We must all realise that New Zealand will always be subject to earthquake shocks; therefore in _ the national interest we must have national building by-laws for the future, which will ensure that the buildings constructed will be reasonably safe. I feel confident that a Government which tackled emergency measures so quickly and effectively will also handle this problem with equal determination. Therefore I expect that after the position has been fully considered a code of building by-laws necessary will be enacted and a standard set for the whole country. “ There are months of clearing to be done that gives time for the consideration of the standard of building. This should be determined by a commission not selected on account of the official positions the men hold, but because of their known ability to decide such matters. A place should be found for designing engineers and for men who construct, as well as the architect who plane. Until such investigation is complete only temporary permits should be granted for reconditioning such buildings in Hastings as are only partly damaged, but beyond that I would urge the Government not to proceed.” EARTHQUAKE INSURANCE. QUESTION OF PREMIUMS. STATEMENT BY CHRISTCHURCH MANAGER. (Special to Daily Times.) CHRISTCHURCH, February 11. “ We are inundated with inquiries regarding earthquake cover, but we are not very keen on this form of insurance and are not canvassing it,” said a local manager of an insurance company to-day to a'reporter of the Press. Policies which are subject to increased rates are being issued by companies. It is anticipated that a conference of underwriters being held in Wellington to-morrow will decide on a higher tariff. Before the Murchison earthquake on June 17, 1929, there was no standard rate, premiums being determined accidentally to individual buildings to be insured, but for city premises a charge of about 3s fid per cent, was made. Since then, however, the rate has been increased to 4s, which ig charged almost universally in Christchurch. It was pointed out that whereas insurance against fires was based largely on situation in blocks, distance from brigade headquarters being a factor, the cover against earthquake risks is in accordance with the proximity to areas known to be subject to frequent and dangerous tremors. In all probability the increase in premiums in respect to earthquake insurance will be a considerable one. The fire rate, which ranges between 7s and 9s per cent., is not likely to be affected. The new earthquake tariff is likely to be scaled according to the nature of the building and its construction. Thus the premium for structural steel buildings will probaby be lighter than for brick premises. THE INSURANCE COMPANIES. CONSIDERATION OF POLICY. (Per United Press Association.) WELLINGTON. February 11. The problem of the policy to be adopted by the insurance companies in regard to the losses caused by the earthquake and the subsequent fires in Hawke’s Bay was discussed at a general meeting of the Council of the Underwriters’ Association to-day. No statement was available to-night. The meeting will be continued to-morrow when a decision will be reached. PICTURES OF EARTHQUAKE. PUBLISHED IN SYDNEY. (United Press Association.) (By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.) SYDNEY, February 10. The newspapers here publish many pictures of the earthquake in New Zealand, which arrived by to-day’s boats. These tell the story of the devastation most vividly. Interviews with passengers include the.impressions of Mr Guy Menzies, the young aviator who flew across the Tasman. He was of the opinion that all the dead at Napier would not be recovered for perhaps two months. A VIVID PICTURE. A member of the staff of the Napier High School writes vividly about the tragedy: “ It was a beautiful sunny morning and all the boys were parading when this terrible thing happened. It seemed to me as if the earth had broken away from its moorings and was tossed about as if on a heavy sea. After the first heavy shock the tower of the school fell down, and then the Assembly Hall, hardly one brick remaining one upon another. After the dust had cleared away, away in the distance appeared fire, and this finished the ruin commenced by the earthquake. You cannot imagine the desolation that exists in the town area of the main street—nothing absolutely remains. Wooden houses, however, stood up to the shock, and although most are badly knocked about yet nine-tenth: are still standing in the residential area. As night approached most people moved towards the public parks, where tents had risen as if by magic. Hardly any were brave enough to sleep inside the houses. “ To give an idea of the intensity of the allair, the first quake lasted for five hours with lessening and growing intensity, and the first night there were some 50 shocks. We are fortunate to have come through it so well, and although the house was knocked about a good leal and glass and crockery, etc., broken, we were able to lock it up and come away.” “GOOD OUT OF EVIL.” ADDRESS BY BISHOP WHYTE. A very impressive discourse was give by Bishop Whyte, Roman Catholic Bishop of Dunedin, at the Pontifical Requiem Mass hold at St. Joseph’s Cathedral yesterday for the victims of the Hawke’s Bay earthquake. “ The greatest philosophers, both pagan and Christian, have reasoned upon' the question of evil,” said Bishop Whyte. “ That intellectual giant of the thirteenth century, St. Thomas Aquinas, notes with approval the saying of St. Augustine in the fifth century; ‘ Since God is the highest good, He would not allow any evil to exist in His works unless His omnipotence and goodness were such as to bring good out of evil.’ There is good

to be discovered in the present calamity. . . . The generosity of the general public, the patience and resignation of the poor sufferers, the hospitality extended to the homeless, the tender sympathy awakened in the breasts of all; this is only portion of the good arising out of the misfortunes of the stricken. New Zealand, already known to the world to be kindhearted and open-handed, has added greatly to her renown. “ We are brought together this morning by the most appalling disaster in the history of New Zealand. The enormous loss of material wealth and the vastly greater loss of precious human lives compel us to sympathise profoundly with the numerous victims of the disaster. Our hearts go out in sympathy to all who have lived through the heart-rending scenes, and we shall continue to ask God to comfort and strengthen them. The souls of the faithful departed we have just remembered where remembrance is sweetest —namely, at the altar. In the prayers at Mass we asked Almighty God that Fie would vouchsafe to grant fellowship with His saints to the souls of His servants, and would pour upon them the dew of His mercy, and that if they arc still soiled by any earthly. stains these may be wiped out by His merciful forgiveness.” While bemoaning the loss of all who had met their death in the terrible visitation and sympathising with all who still suffered, whether mentally or physically, it was natural that one’s special sympathy should show itself to one’s own friends, said the speaker. For the priests and himself, for instance, the loss of many valuable lives at Grecnmeadows should be the occasion of special grief. Already in their name and the parishioners and his own —that was, in the name of the whole diocese —he had conveyed to Archbishop Redwood and Archbishop O’Shea and the Provincial of the Marist Fathers a message of their profound grief at the great loss to the archdiocese and to the Marist order and to religion in this country. The death of so many promising young men was also a blow to the spread of religion in the islands of the Pacific. “ God’s dealings with the world arc inscrutable and mysterious. The impotence of man and the majesty of God arc brought home to us by what we call the ‘ convulsions of Nature.’ The Holy Bible tells us in every pag of God’s omnipotence-and wisdom. All the nations are as nothing and are counted as nothing before Him. ‘ The islands are as a little dust.’ The stars, the whole host of heaven which he leads forth into being and calls them by their names all together are as a little dust. How foolish, then, for the puny intellect of man to feel disappointed at not being able to comprehend the full force of God’s treatment of His own creation. “ May Almighty God have mercy on the souls of the faithful departed,” concluded the speaker, “ may He comfort all who mourn, and may He bless and reward all who have given cheerful help in this national disaster.”

EARTHQUAKE SUFFERERS’ RELIEF FUND.

THE MAYOR’S FUND. Previously acknowledged .. £1679 0 0 Mr and Mrs P. R. Sargood .. 500 0 0 Rector and staff, Otago Boys’ High School 35 0 0

A subscription of 15 5s to the Mayoress’s fund, credited to W. B. M'Fea, was made by Mr W. B. M. Fea< MOSGIEL CONTRIBUTIONS. The Mayor of Mosgiel (Mr W. E. M’Lean) acknowledges receipt of the following amounts: —Previously acknowledged, £220 3s; John Gordon, £2O; John Murray, £2O; R. Muirhead. £2; A. F. Quelch, £2; Mr and Mrs R. M. Greaves, £1 Is; E. Taylor, £1 Is; Mrs R. Hanlin, £1 Is; J. Wright, jun., £1; W. Brown, £1; M. A. E. 8., £1; E. M. Watt, £1; John Campbell, £1; D. M'Auslin, £1; A. H. Lennox, £1; J. F. Frew, £1; A, G. Haigh, £1; A. M’Lean, £1; Miss Callender, £1; John Chesney, £lj T. Irving, 10s; M. F., 10s; G. A. M‘Leod, 10s; J. C. Muirhead, 10s; M. Harries, 10s; Mrs M’Lean, 10e; Mrs A. G. Wilson, 10s; Mrs M’Cartney, 10s; “A Helper,” 10s; Nurse Anderson, 10s; “ Friend,” ss; G. Fowler, 2s; J. Wilson, 3s fid; Mrs Miller, 2s; Margaret Williamson, ss; E. Tonkin, 2s fid; E, Wedderspoon, 2s fid; Mrs Sinclair, ss; Miss Sinclair, ss; J. M'Bride, ss; J. Milne, 2s fid; Mrs Findlay, ss; G. F., ss; S. Cousins, ss; Mrs Gordon, ss; Mrs Armstrong, 4s; Mrs Wedderspoon, 2s fid; Mrs Hicks, ss; Mrs Rae, 2s; Mre Murray, 5s 6. Scuit, se; Miss Barclay, 3s; “Friend,” ss; “Friend,” 6s; C. Low, ss; J. Millan, 2 S fid; R. Wylie, ss; W, J. Campbell, ss; Peggy, 2e fid; Mr Dyke, 2s fid; Mrs Dyke, 2s fid; “Friend,” ss; E. Chiles, ss; A. Delany, 2s fid; Mrs Lindsay, ss; Miss Laverty, ss; Mrs Gourley, ss; “Friend,” le; G. T., ss; M. T., ss; Mrs Osborn, 2s fid; Miss Finnie, 2s; M. A. Hamilton. ss; W. J. Sparks, ss; A. Bacon, ss; H. Brown, ss; Mrs Saxby, ss; N. Cousine, ss; Eric, ss; Mrs Wikland, ss; A. Higgins, 2s; L. Hanlin, ss; “Friend,” 2s fid; John Logan, £5; Alexander M’Leod, £5; F. R. H., £2 2s; D. Gibb, £2 2s; J. D. Duncan, £1 Is; Mrs A. L. Thomson, £1 le; Mrs J. Stephens. £1 ss; Mrs A. Johnston, £2; Mrs P. Y. Bell, £1 Is; E. and J. Wilson, £1; Misses Wilson, £1; George Smith, £1; Mrs T Gillespie, £1; Mr and Mre Purvis, £1; R. M’Lelland, £1; Dr P, £2; Mrs D. O’Brien, £1; John Arnott, £1; Mrs J. Fenwick, £1; E. Haslea, 10s fid; Mrs E. J. Mason, 10s fid; W. Park, 10s; D. Mitchell, 10s; J. D. Haigh, 10s; E. D. Haigh, 10s; Mrs Pearce, 10s; “Two Sisters,” 10s; A. H. Dowall, 10s; “Friend,” 10s; Mrs Lewitt, ss; Mrs Bremner, ss; Mrs H. Leary, ss; W. H. Young, ss; Mrs M'Dougall, ss; Mrs Robertson, ss; Miss Muir, se; M. 8., 2s fid; Mrs Boucher, 2s fid; Mrs Larson, Is; Mrs B. Gibson, 2s fid; Mrs Wilson, 2s fid; Mrs Roberts, 2s; Mrs Craigie, 3s; Mrs Gillespie, 2s fid; Mrs H. Smith, 2s; M. M’Cann, 2s; Mrs James Young, 4s; Mrs Matson, 3s; Mrs Shore, 2s fid; Mrs Hornibrook, 2s fid; “Friend,” le fid; “Friend,” ss; James Hardie, £1; —total, £336 9s. PORT CHALMERS RELIEF FUND. Previously acknowledged, £275 0s fid; Courts Robin Hood and Pride of the Port, A.0.F., £3 3s; W. M. Grant, £1 Is; Mr and Mrs K. MTvenzie, £5; A. R. Irwin, £1; W. Lott, 10s; J. Knewstubb, £2 2s; J. D. Morgan, £1; A. Bruce Roy, £2 2s; Mrs J. Watson, £1 Is; Miss M'Queen, £1; E. Grant, £1; A. Cable, £1; J. K. Murray, 10s; Mrs A. and Miss Campbell, 10s; —total, £295 19s fid.

OTAGO DAILY TIMES LIST, Previously acknowledged .. £6000 15 5 Westport Coal Company, Ltd ■ 250 0 0 John Edmond, Ltd 100 0 0 M'Leod Bros., Ltd 100 0 0 Drapery Supply Association, Ltd 50 0 0 Mackerras and Hazlett, Ltd 50 0 0 Otago. Girls’ High School Jubilee Association .. .. 50 0 0 Peninsula County Council .. 50 0 0 Lambert Bros., Ltd 60 0 0 Mrs M. Judith Massey .. .. 50 0 0 Staff, D.LC 30 0 0 John M'Glashan College pupils and staff 28 6 0 Employees, Phoenix Co.. Ltd. 20 13 0 Mr and Mrs A. Lee Smith .. 20 0 0 John lleid and Sons, Ltd. .. 20 0 0 Burton and Patterson .. .. 20 0 0 Staff and pupils. High Street School 13 0 0 Dr and Mrs Marshall Macdonald 10 10 0 Mr and Mrs W. G. Robertson 10 10 0 Dr and Mrs S. Batchelor .. 10 10 ,0 Miss E. M. Cai’gill 10 10 0 Scoullar and Chisholm, Ltd. 10 10 0 Staff. Otago Farmers’ Co-op. Association of N.Z., Ltd. .. 10 0 c Matthews Millinery Company. Ltd., and staff .. .. 10 0 0 S. F. Aburn, Ltd 10 0 0 Mrs J. H. Preston 10 0 0 The Glue Construction Company, Ltd 10 0 0 Mr and Mrs W. O. M’Kellar 10 ’ 0 0 Joseph M’George 10 0 0 Mr and Mrs George R. CheesemaU 5 5 0 Mr and Mrs A. Clark .. .. 5 5 0 Marshall’s Pharmacy, Ltd. 5 5 0 John Morrison 5 5 0 Professor and Mrs Gowland 5 5 0 C. R. Wilson 5 5 0 M. B 5 5 0 G. E. -Rattray 5 5 0 R. M'Lean and Son 5 5 0 Dr and Mrs J. Malcolm .. 5 5 0 Mr and Mrs Pearshouse .. 5 5 0 Mrs Robert Y. Fulton .. ., 5 5 0 Dr R. A H. Fulton 5 5 0 Mrs H. Price 5 5 0 W. D. Lambert 5 5 0 A. R. Lambert 5 5 0 Mr and Mrs Chillingworth .. 5 0 0 “ Nemo ” 5 0 0 James Edgar 5 0 0 Mr and Mrs A. Coxhcad ., 5 0 0 The Misses Mackerras .. .. 5 0 0 Mr and Mrs H. A. B. Brabant 5 0 0 S. W. Geddes 5 0 0 Mrs Lee Smith, sen 5 0 0 Employees. Lambert Bros., Ltd 5 0 0 W. J. and Mrs M'Faul .. .. 4 4 0 Misses Henderson 4 0 0 H. F. Marshall 3 3 0 S. Angel 3 3 0 6. Todd 3 3 0 Miss E. I. MacGibbon .. .. 3 3 0 Mr and Mrs E, A. Cogan . • 3 3 0 Staff, Commercial Bank of Australia, Ltd 3 0 0 H. and A. M 3 0 0 E. M 2 2 0 J. Hendry and Sons o 2 0 Mr and Mrs J'. Caldwell .. o 2 0 Mr and Mrs A. F. Browne .. 2 2 0 Mrs J. G. Patterson 2 2 0 Mrs Latham 2 2 0 Captain King 2 2 0 Mr and Mrs T- M'Gregor 2 2 0 Staff Texas Oil Company (final donation) 2 2 0 Mr and Mrs G. A. Thomson 2 2 0 Rev. and Mrs Vivian Fisher 2 2 0 Patearoa Collie Club .. .. 2 o 0 R, Baker. Roxburgh .. .. 2 3 0 T. Chisholm 2 0 0 2 0 0 M. J. M 2 0 0 v As You Would ” 0 0 Mrs J. A. Gray 0 0 Mr and Mrs A. J. Sullivan .. 2 0 0 Misses M. and K. Sullivan 2 0 0 Miss Morris 0 0 M. G. B 1 5 0 Rev. S. J. Cooper 1 1 0 II. W. Hilton 1 1 0 G. S. Rowan 1 1 0 Mrs E. M. Begg 1 1 0 A. E. Best 1 1 0 1 1 0 0 P. Williams 1 1 0 R. S. Galbraith 1 0 0 1 0 0 “ An Old Timosite ” .... 1 0 0 Misses R. and K. Ulrich •• 1 0 0 Mrs Thornton 1 0 0 Patricia ” Rev. C. Dallaston ■1 0 0 A. S. and E. W A j-i 1 1 0 0 0 0 J.’ M. 0 15 0 P. C Barker 0 12 6 c. m‘ W 0 10 6 H F. II 0 10 0 8 Harding, Port Chalmers 0 10 0 Rutherford M'Gregor .. .. 0 10 0 J A TT 0 10 0 Total £7938 18 5

Fairbairn, Wright, and Co. 25 0 0 John Mill and Co., Ltd. .. 25 0 0 Gaelic Society, per Mr 0 0 Roderick Mackenzie .. 20 Staff, H. L. Tapley and Co. 11 2 0 H. L. Tapley and Co 10 10 0 N. and E. S. Paterson, Ltd. 10 10 0 John Thompson, Ltd 10 0 0 Mr and Mrs A. H. Allen .. 10 0 0 Society of Musicians of Otago 10 0 0 J. L. Lethbridge, Tarras .. 5 5 0 Mrs I. M'Millan 5 5 0 Mrs Alex. M'Millan 5 5 0 A. Smith and Co 5 5 0 Mr and Mrs H. P. West .. 5 0 0 Mrs J. Thompson 5 0 0 Association of Superannuated Public Servants, Otago 0 0 branch 5 Staff, Rialto 2 10 0 Water Department employees. 0 Leith Valley 2 8 P. J. Hackett 2 2 0 Rev. J. and Mrs Gumming . . 2 2 0 G. W. T 2 0 lies and Poole, Ltd 2 2 0 Miller’s Flat Sunday school 0 0 and Bible class members .. W. R. F. Fraser Blackford and Griffiths .. .. 1 1 1 1 0 0 Hunt and Veitch 1 1 0 J. Alexander 1 1 0 W. J. Potter 1 1 0 George Maekay 1 1 0 A. T. Brown 1 1 0 H. A. Bowie W. Elliott 1 1 0 1 0 0 “F. W.” 1 0 0 Balance, Social Afternoon.. 0 15 6 T. Dillon 0 10 0 “M. F.” 0 O 0