The Daily News MONDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 1931. FACING THE FUTURE.

Taranaki Daily News, 9 February 1931, Page 4

The Daily News MONDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 1931. FACING THE FUTURE.

There has been a wonderful transformation in the character of the news coming from Hawke’s Bay during the past forty-eight hours or s0 —] 10 less than wonderful because it has been brought about so quickly. Barely six days ago the sudden catastrophe of the earthquake, fell upon Hawke’s Bay causing heavy loss of life in its two principal towns and doing irreparable damage to property over a large area. Such a cataclysm could not but have stunned the population, yet immediately the first necessary work was organised —the care of all who had suffered bodily injury and the rescue of those overwhelmed by wreckage who might still be alive. Help was quickly forthcoming for the stricken communities, and while the work of mercy proceeded apace the sad search for those victims of the earthquake who were beyond aid was undertaken systematically. For a day or two the news from Hawke’s Bay was saddening in- the extreme ; a death roll of many hundreds was suggested, citizens who had lived through a day and night of horror were removed with all speed to other districts that were anxious to succour and comfort them, and two fine towns appeared to the outside world to have become the graves of high hopes and courageous aspirations. Altogether it was an outlook that inspired mourning rather than any other feeling, save only that of admiration for the grim heroism displayed by nurses, doctors and many other helpers. - But to-day it maybe said that already Napier and Hastings are putting off their mourning garments; not that they can simply dismiss poignant memories of suffering and lofes, but that they have begun to face the future with fine courage and noble hope- Hastings, which, of course, was less grievously smitten than the sister town, wished us all to know as-long ago as last Friday —three days after the earthquake —that rehabilitation and reconstruction were in its thoughts. Within twenty-four hours Napier also was contemplating the planning of a new city. It is splendidly reassuring news. Reports and pictures make it clear that Napier as a business centre must be rebuilt, yet the people who a few days ago were staggering under a cruel blow are ready 7 to face that gigantic task. Here is a glorious demonstrati-- of the resiliency of human nature, a striking witness to the truth that hope springs eternal. It is not to be supposed that the citizens of Napiei* and Hastings, wh.se material loss has been enorm, us, will be able to call upon .;..rcvs w ihcir own commensurate ;vith tlm spirit they are showing. The nation must help them, and help them very liberally, probably, as has been suggested in this column, by means of a loan. And since the reconstruction will rightly be a national undertaking, it may be assumed that there will be a measure of national control. To the stranger having no personal interest in Hawke’s Bay it might even appear that on the grounds of.economy, and perhaps of efficiency, it would be wise to combine the two towns in one fine city; But that would be to disregard the fact that the earthquake has not destroyed the vital force of two old-established communities. Each has its own civic pride, its peculiar interests, its definite purpose; each community is attached to its own town by an extremely powerful sentiment, the love of home. It is not for outsiders to trample upon the very proper feelings of those who need the help of every outsider, but rather to encourage them to restore what has been lost, so far as restoration is possible, and to direct their efforts on right lines. In both centres there will be. an opportunity to practise principles of town-planning. Napier, great though its charm, has been known for some years as the most densely populated town in the Dominion; that is to say, in some parts its houses have been crowded together. It should now be possible to avoid the perpetuation of mistakes which occurred naturally enough many years ago and to plan with greater care for the development that the future will bring- Hastings has little in the way of evils to correct, but there also nothing but benefit will be derived if a comprehensive plan is laid down and carried out. Both towns, and also the smaller centres that have suffered, should have the help of the most competent advice concerning the types of buildings to be erected, and. that advice can doubtless be macle available by the Government, which will have to act with the two communities. Co-ordina-tion of control and effort will be needed, but it should not be difficult to achieve. Just now, however, there is no need to go deeper into this aspect. The thing that matters to-day is that Napier and Hastings are facing the future with confidence in their ability to rise again to the former level of usefulness and importance natural to the chief business centres of a fertile and rich province.