RELIEF FUND OPENED,

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17038, 11 May 1923, Page 10

RELIEF FUND OPENED,

ACTION AT KAIAPOI. The Kaiapoi Borough Council held n special meeting last night to consider the advisability of starting a relief fund. Various aspects of tlx? flood position were discussed, also the question of the likelihood of an outbreak of sickness, especially if people returned to i heir homes before they were fit for habitation. The Mayor, Mr H. Al’lntosh, stated

that many people in indifferent cir- 1 cunistances would bo in urgent need of ! assistance in replacing the 100-ses they had sustained through the flood, and lie suggested .that relief measures 1 should be taken in hand immediately. ! A letter was received from the Town j Clerk, Christchurch, stating that be j had been directed by the Mayor (Mr j J. A. Flesher) to express regret at I the damage clone by the flood in and about Kaiapoi. The letter added:— “ Especially is the Mayor concerned on learning that so many people have had temporarily to forsake their homes and seek refuge elsewhere. If financial assistance should be required the j Mayor wishes me to state that the ; City of Christchurch would he very ! glad to do what it can in the mat- i ter.” The council was unanimously of the opinion that urgent financial assistance was necessary, and it was decided to gratefully acknowledge the offer of assistance from the City of Christchurch through its Mayor. Mr J. H. Blackwell, ex-May or of ! Kaiapoi, who is at present in Auck- | land, telegraphed as follows:—‘‘Very | sorry to hear of serious flood. If vou consider relief fund, necessary will gladly help.” A motion was carried that the medical officer of health. Dr Telford, should be asked to visit Kaiapoi and advise the council on health matters in connection with the after effects of the flood. It was resolved that the council should institute a house to house collection by the borough carts of all objectionable matter. In coivhectiom with the administration of relief to those who had suffered through the flood the following committee was appointed :—The Mayor, town clerk, the Revs L. A. Knight, J. Hiddleeton. F. Robertson. AY. B. Scott. Captain Armstrong and Drs Gil’ett and Ramsay. It was decided to open a subscription list at 'the town clerk’s office. It was stated that the Kaiapoi Woollen Mills and the North Canterbury Freezing Works had generously provided facilities for the drying of clothing and blankets affected by the flood waters.