EARTHQUAKE RELIEF.

Taranaki Daily News, 7 February 1931, Page 11

EARTHQUAKE RELIEF.

Sir;—All New Zealand has been terribly shocked at the awful disaster which has overtaken our fair land, and all are making strenuous efforts towards relieving the consequent distress.. Before long, however, the • question. of restoring the buildings of the stricken area will have to be considered, and it is in connection with this that I have ventured to write. It is generally known,. I believe,, that since the earthquake was an act of Providence, no insurance on the wrecked buildings will be forthcoming. The insurance companies operating in the Dominion have long enjoyed a wonderful run of prosperity, as is evidenced by their advertised reserve funds, which are shown to run into millions of pounds sterling. As the country is suffering from a Severe economic depression at the present time, it seems.' io me that it would ibe an eloquent act of practical sympathy, were these insurance companies to pay out on their risks in the stricken areas. Surely their shareholders would not seriously object' to do so on such an occasion as . this.; This course, I feel, would ease the bur-, dfin of the Government in particular and the population in general. The more we piill together in the matter the sooner will the awful damage be cleared away into the past; with bigger and' better towns in its stead. In conclusion, I trust my suggestion will receive sympathetic consideration by those- Insurance companies concerned. They will get it back again in the future.—l am, etc.,

“PREMIUM.” New Plymouth, February 6.