IT WAS A DREAM

Stratford Evening Post, Volume I, Issue 63, 21 February 1931, Page 4

IT WAS A DREAM

IT MIGHT HAVE BEEN STRATFORD HE GIVES TWICE WHO GIVES QUICKLY Earthquakes! Earthquakes! Earthquakes! The Hawke’s Bay earthquake, no doubt, was responsible. A local resident describes a dream he had on a recent night, in which was depicted Stratford in the throes of a violent earthquake. In his dream he heard a sound as of distant thunder gradually growing in violence until it culminated in a shock which brought practically every building in the town to earth in ruins. There was little time for inmates of buildings to escape, and the toll in human life was awful. To add to the horror of the scene, fire broke out in many quarters, devouring that which the quake had already partially destroyed. The cries of victims caught in the maelstrom were frightful. Those who had been fortunate enough to escape from falling buildings were rushing around, vainly seeking their loved ones. It was a scene of horror indescribable. Men, women and children were driven almost mad with fear and anguish. In agony the dreamer watched the dreadful panorama of death and desolation. News of the disaster had reached the neighbouring towns, and Tescuere were arriving in large numbers to take up the work of rescue. With energy supercharged by the urgent need of the stricken populace, the rescuers went to their self-appointed task, and after a period of herculean endeavour at last established some form of order. In the meantime the news had been flashed across the Dominion and to other parts of the world. Relief committees were organised in the different cities and towns, and the response to the call for funds was spontaneous and magnificent. The sympathy of the whole Dominion was wonderfully expressed towards our stricken people, and nowhere was the response more generous than from the fruitful province of Hawke’s Bay. In a cold sweat of fear the dreamer awoke to thank God his experience had been only a dream. ' His first action on arriving at his place of business in the morning was to write a cheque for the Hawke’s Bay Earthquake Relief Fund. He had realised the truth of the old prpverb, “Do unto others as you would be done by.” The need for relief in Hawke’s Bay is urgent. Do not delay. Those who have not yet donated their mite should do so at once. “He gives twice who gives quickly.” , ■ ■