EARTHQUAKE REFUGEES.

Taranaki Daily News, 25 February 1931, Page 6

EARTHQUAKE REFUGEES.

The arrival of large contingents of refugees from the Hawke’s Bay districts in various Taranaki- towns is a reminder that the problem of reconstruction and restoration in the stricken areas is by no means settled. The refugees themselves may feel assured of a warm welcome. As a matter of fact many individual parties have alreadyreached Taranaki and have had the utmost kindness and assistance afforded them. Those who are coming to the province from 'the camp at Palmerston North, which is to be disbanded, will have, it is hoped, overcome the first shock of the disaster, and will therefore be better able to appreciate the efforts that are being made for their succour and relief. Much of the success of the relief community arrangements must depend upon the co-operation of the refugees themselves, and probably no-one recognises this better than those who have had some experience of camp life. There is no question about the desire of Taranaki residents to do all in their power to aid their fellow-coun-trymen who Jiave suffered so terribly, and all that organisation and goodwill can attain will be provided for the refugees. Already there are hopeful indications that, the return to their homes

may not bo delayed so long as seemed probable even a week ago. The citizens of the towns so badly shaken who have remained at home are visualising sufficient recovery in • the next few weeks to justify the return of women and children. There is nothing that will bring life back to normality sooner than this, 0 and though it may mean that a certain amount of fortitude is required from those who return, the women of the Dominion have never been known to lack pluck or determination when the need for their exercise arose. Meanwhile it will be the hope in Taranaki that the refugees’ stay in this province will be pleasant and recuperative, enabling thorn to face the difficulties ahead with strength of body and mind renewed.