IN EARTHQUAKE AREA.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXIV, Issue 18807, 20 February 1931, Page 7

IN EARTHQUAKE AREA.

ACTIVITIES AT NAPIER. RIVER IN NEW COURSE. By Telegraph—Press Association NAPIER. February 19. The weather to-night is fine, with the sea ruffled by a slight easterly. Two moderate shocks were felt today, one at 6.40 and another at 8.45. A few minor shocks also were felt by some. Street lighting has been still further extended, and the water and sewerage systems are still receiving attention. Electric current is now available for a few houses, after the testing of old wiring has provided satisfactory. Much progress is being made with clearing sites, and there are indications that further bodies remain to be discovered in one or two localities. No attempt has yet been made to clear the Breakwater Road. Some unnecessary alarm has been felt concerning the rivers, one rising rapidly to-day, because a dam had hurst higher up. However, the water got away quietly, and the river guards overseer is satisfied that there is no danger from that quarter. During the fine weather, the work of diverting the Tutakekuri is proceeding, and that river will soon discharge at the washout, saving a river course of five miles. The water was going down the new channel to-day. SHOALING IN HARBOUR. WHAT SOUNDINGS RECORD. By Telegraph—Press Association WELLINGTON, February 19. The Marine Department received a report from the Government lighthouse steamer Matai, which is taking soundings in Hawke’s Bay. The Matai reported that she had completed the work of taking soundings in the vicinity of Napier approaches, and discovered a slight uplift close in shore only. It is not known definitely what courses the Matai followed, and a fuller report is expected to-morrow.

CAMP SCHOOL OPENED. By Telegraph—Press Association PALMERSTON N., February 19. A school for earthquake refugee children at the show grounds camp was opened to-day, being conducted in the Agricultural and Pastoral Association’s cattle pavilion. Already 268 children have been enrolled. Permitting a maximum of fresh air and light, the class-rooms are admirably suited to the purpose, having been thoroughly swept and disinfected. A free issue of books was made to the children to-day. The school is under the supervision of Mr E. Barry, headmaster of the Central School, while Mr McGlashan, of Napier, is senior master on the staff, all of whom are from Hawke’s Bay schools. NO FURTHER SHOCKS. STEPS FOR REHABILITATION. NAPIER, February 19. The weather at Napier this morning was fine and sunny, with no wind, and an absence of shocks since last evening. The following telegram was sent to the Prime Minister by Mr E. W. Barnard, M.P., for Napier: “The big question of what measures are to be taken and when, for the restoration of the earthquake area is becoming increasingly important and urgent. After much thought and consultation with numerous constituents, I desire to recommend for your favourable consideration: (1) That the Government immediately cause comprehensive arrangements to be made for ascertaining the total loss suffered through the earthquake and fire; (2) That a Commission or other suitable body should be set up immediately to investigate and advise as to the best methods for rehabilitation of the earthquake area. I urge that both steps are necessary, so that Parliament may have sufficient facts and advice before it when the coming session begins, to consider and decide on the measures to be adopted for the restoration of the district.” A PALMERSTON NORTH BULLETIN. PALMERSTON N., February 19. A bullet n, issued by the Palmerston North hospital states: — The following earthquake area cases were admitted yesterday:— Alex Duncan Macintosh, address Westmere, Wanganui, transferred from field hospital, Napier, fractured spine, serious. Arnold Webster, transferred from field hospital, Napier; fractured skull, serious. Peter Courtney, transferred from field hospital, Napier, bruising and bad nerves; satisfactory. The following have been discharged: Mrs Katherine S.nclair, 502 Gray’s Road, Hastings.