“HAD TIP-TOP TIME IN CITY.”

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18805, 6 July 1929, Page 2

“HAD TIP-TOP TIME IN CITY.”

RETURNING REFUGEES WILL HELP IN WORK OF RECONSTRUCTION. Hopeful that the worst is now’ over and that they can get on with the work of reconstruction, a small party of men, refugees from the earthquake area, left by the West Coast train this morning to return to their homes. A fair-sized crowd, mainly composed of those refu gees who are waiting behind in Christchurch until later, saw them off at the station. All were enthusiastic over the treatment they had received during their stay here. “It was tip-top,” said one man, a carpenter from Westport. "When I came to Christchurch ten days ago my hands were shaking from the continued strain, and I thought it w ould take me a long time to get over it. Now I am as right as rain and fit for anything.” One or two of the others are return ing to the Maruia Y r alley to their farms As the cows will be in profit in a few months now, they do not wish to be away from the stock any longer than is absolutely necessary. In addition to the refugees, quite a number of other people left by the train, including tourists, who, undeterred by reports of floods and further shakes, intend to inspect the earthquake area. A further party of refugees, who will be accompanied by Councillor M. E. Lyons, will leave on Thursday. Some of these are for the Murchison district, though the latest report received from there, this morning, states that it is not advisable for any to return for a while yet.