RELIEF FUNDS FOR FLOOD SUFFERERS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17037, 10 May 1923, Page 8

RELIEF FUNDS FOR FLOOD SUFFERERS.

So much damage has been done by flood water in the homes of comparatively poor people that the need for a public relief fund cannot be questioned. Such a fund, we think, should be applied first to the more needy cases, leaving the question of compensation for losses of stock and crops to he faced by the Government as a national matter. Floods are a form of “ rainy day ” that very few persons prepare for, and they cause acute distress in addition to material loss. Much of the damage cannot be repaired in so far as it relates to the destruction of the little household gods peculiar to every home; hut a great deal could be done by a relief fund in the cleaning and renovation of houses and furniture, the restoration of foundations, the replenishing of damaged larders, and so on. Kaiapoi is the principal sufferer in the Canterbury floods, hut the damage in half a dozen other townships, north and south, must, he very great. Possibly a city committee could work in conjunction with all local committees in administering a general fund. We feel sure that in spite of the other urgent appeals now before the public of Christchurch, a generous response would be made towards the relief of sufferers by the flood, especially as the city has escaped lightly in comparison with many other centres. Very few working people can bear the heavy expense of refurnishing and refitting their homes without burdening themselves for some years.