AGONY OF HAWKE’S BAY.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXIV, Issue 18831, 20 March 1931, Page 5

AGONY OF HAWKE’S BAY.

NAPIER AND HASTINGS REVISITED COURAGE OF THE PEOPLE. By Telegraph—Press Association WELLINGTON, March 19. After a visit to Napier and Hastings Mr A. B. Lane, manager of the Press Association, states:— “It is with a feeling of deep sadness that one gazes on the mins of Napier. It is hard to realise that the disaster Is a reality, it seem too terrible to be true. No words of tongue or pen, however eloquent or vivid, can convey an adequate impression of the agony of Hawke’s Bay. To see is to understand, in part at least, and with understanding must come the most passionate sympathy wi*h those who have suffered. “A walk through the streets at night is an eerie experience. The range of vision is limited, and the street lights gleam on the ghosts of buildings that have passed. It seems that some gigantic hand has smashed the city, and then thrown a flaming torch into the ruins It is not difficult to realise that there were scenes of poignant tragedy in which men, women and children yielded up their lives. Through the sad story runs the golden thread of heroic deeds done by humble people, whose gallantry in the hour of death and danger will for ever remain unsung. “The extent of the devastated area in Napier—and by devastated is meant utterly destroyed—is amazing. It is not a matter of a block or two. It takes a considerable time to traverse the stricken streets, without stopping even for a moment The destruction has been of the most complete and final character. What the earthquake did not demolish the fire devoured. Splendid buildings of yesterday are mere heaps of bricks, concrete and twisted iron today A grisly outline remains of some, but this only accentuates the absolute finality of the catastrophe. The vagaries of the earthquake were many, and they were supplemented by the eccentricities of the fire, which spared where it might have burned. The whole area, howeve.r provides eloquent evidence of the ruthless and unreasoning violence of the destroying agents. Many of the ruins are slanting perilously, and will be a source of danger until they are removed. “It is a commonplace to say that the Hawke’s Bay people are wonderful, but it is true. They are facing their troubles like heroes, with cheerfulness and courage. The way in which they have cleaned up the streets of the city is nothing short of marvellous. Thousands

of tons of brick, concrete, twisted iron and the assorted debris of shattered and fire-ravaged buildings have been lifted from the streets and deposited on reclamation areas, or used to fill up gaping rents in the earth. The task of clearing away the ruins themselves remains, and it is one of great magnitude. Blit it will be tackled and accomplished. Hope, not despair, is the note that is sounded. The appeal of Hawke’s Bay to the Parlament and people of New Zealand is: “What you would do, do quickly.” Efficient speed is the essence of the contract. “The Napier people claim that what has been done by them since the earthquake could not have been done better, and I think they are right. Faced by a disaster unprecedented in our country’s history they acted with courage and resolution. They organised their own relief services, and succeeded with them. They are determined to reinstate their town, and they believt in its future. They have the vision splendid of a larger, better and mor* beautiful Napier, and they have hope and confidence that New Zealand will get together and help them. Already a temporary town is springing up amid the ruins.

“The damage in Hastings is on a smaller scale than that in Napier, but in many instances it is just as complete—owners and occupiers have suffered total losses of buildings and stock. Among the community there is the same indomitable spirit that refuses to surrender to the bludgeonings of chance. Hawke’s Bay’s head is bloody, but unbowed.