A PSYCHOLOGICAL CONSIDERATION.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21267, 23 February 1931, Page 6

A PSYCHOLOGICAL CONSIDERATION.

The views expressed by Archbishop Averili after a visit to Napier and Hastings,/and the refugee camp at Palmerston North, touch an aspect of the earthquake disaster which merits sympathetic attention. In the Archbishop’s judgment it is most desirable that some steps should be taken as quickly as possible to relieve the present state of uncertainty in which people are living in the earthquake area, and that measures of restoration should be given a form that will inspire them with hope and confidence. The residents of Napier and Hastings have shown a fine spirit in the face of disaster and crushing adversity, but it is readily understandable that suspense and the inaction imposed by the present circumstances must be conducive to a state of mental tension, the relief of which is really a matter of some urgency. Everyone, observes Archbishop Averili, is wondering what the Government is going to do. Building cannot be recommenced, at least in any permanent manner, until the Government gives a lead in intimating what will be permitted in that direction, and certainly it must appear desirable that a decision should be reached in this matter as soon as possible. The position is, of course, attended with difficulties, and such factors as the magnitude of the reconstruction scheme, and the necessity for deliberation on the part of the Building Regulation Committee which the Government has appointed, have to be taken sufficiently into account. It is important that the stricken towns, the business areas particularly, should be reconstructed on lines that will conform to the principles of town-planning and that they should re-emerge from their present condition to the best possible advantage. The greater the task that presents itself, however, the more desirable it is that as much evidence as possible should be afforded of progress towards the goal of permanent reconstruction. It is important that the depressing influence of uncertainty and inaction should be dissipated with all convenient speed and the Government should do its utmost to recognise this in a practical way. Solicitude for the mental impressions of the earthquake sufferers demands nothing less. So long as they are given something tangible to hold on to, in the form of assurance that reconstruction operations are in train, their morale will be sustained and the psychological effect will be apparent. Hope and confidence in the future represent the best restorative that can, be extended to those upon whom the earthquake lids brought such shattering losses.