EARTHQUAKE RELIEF FUND.

Taranaki Daily News, 24 September 1930, Page 6

EARTHQUAKE RELIEF FUND.

Its work accomplished, the central committee appointed to administer the funds raised to ‘ relieve the distress caused by. the earthquake in the South Island last year has held its final meeting. The committee was representative of all political parties,, of local governing bodies and of the Government. It can be said of it that its work has been done tactfully, expeditiously and with a single mind for making the best use of the relief funds at its disposal. The success achieved has been due to the cordial co-operation of local committees with the central organisation. The appalling suddenness of the disaster and .its widespread effects made it necessary for' an appeal for succour to be made to the whole nation. It was therefore essential that the funds so raised should be administered by a central authority. It was equally obvious that no central committee could investigate matteis on the s]>ot with the promptness and thoroughness the emergency demanded. The devolution of these inquiries to local sub-committees has proved most successful, and there have been extraordinarily fe\v complaints in, regard to the administration of the fund. Lack of finance has prevented the committee giving all the help requested, but on the whole it can be said that the assistance afforded the sufferers has been generous and prompt. There'have been a few criticisms of the distributing authority, bitt-in all cases these were capable of satisfactory explanation. The committees, both general and local, have had no sinecure. Their work required commonsense as well as sympathy, and the success obtained is the best tribute to their industry and ability-. In the face of any public calamity an appeal to public generosity never fails in. this country. It must be a great satisfaction to those who contributed to the earthquake relief fund to know - it has been administered wisely and without much expense. For those to whom relief has been given its value is incalculable.' It has meant the difference between ruin and a chance of success for some of them. Still better, it is doing something to relieve the circumstances of those whose kindred upon whom they relied for sustenance were killed in the disaster they could neither foresee nor prevent.