NAPIER’S COURAGE TOLD IN HUMOUR.

Star (Christchurch), Volume XLIV, Issue 43, 20 February 1931, Page 5

NAPIER’S COURAGE TOLD IN HUMOUR.

AWEXJL FATE OF STAFF OF HARBOUR BOARD* Napier’s business leaders have set the nation an example of high courage in time of stress and in reopening for business effectively answer the question of the re-establishment of the town. Smothering two full pages of the “ Daily Telegraph ” with advertisements, they are going about matters in a true -business-like fashion. Courageous slogans illustrate the spirit of de-. termination with which they have tackled the problem of again setting in motion the wheels of industry. No better illustration of this could be had than the announcement by an auctioneering firm which reads: “ The earthquake has broken our building: Nothing could break our spirit.” Virtually every business and trade organisation makes some announcement of reconstruction, either that they are already open or will be so within a few days. While all reflect the grit and courage with which the effects of the disaster have been faced some of them are not without a touch of humour. The Irish are an enterprising race, and it is a member of this nation who advertises for damaged motor-cars and lorries for wrecking, as though the falling masonry had not wrecked them sufficiently. At any rate he should not run short of offers for hundreds of-cars were, broken under the ruins of the town. To show that familiarity breeds contempt a firm of builders’ merchants asks with a monchalant air: “What’s an earthquake ? ” and adds: “ Let’s get Napier and Hastings on the map again.” Making the most of a golden opportunity, a hairdresser announces special earthquake prices for shaving and hair-cutting, these being sixpence and one shilling, respectively. There is something delightfully vague about the advertisement of a motor service proprietor who, having survived the earthquake, says that he is “ now prepared to make trips to anywhere, leaving at any time.” From another notice it appears that the people up that way have gone through trials enough, for jurors are notified that their attendance will not be required *at the Supreme Court on Monday next. At least one firm has come down to earth and advertises that clients may not have to climb twenty steps in future, but the goods and service will be as usual. More definite proof of the faith that exists that Napier will one day be back to normal could not be had than an advertisement which states that a pram store will soon be open for business as usual. The Scots are at it again in a notice extolling the virtues of a delightful residential property in a progressive township in Central Otago: “Specially suitable for delicate or nerve-wracked family; public hospital adjoins grounds. Write ‘Snip.’ ” While one firm is able to boast that it was the first to send out parcels from Napier, there is no false pride about the Harbour Board which humbly announces that it is carrying on business and the staff is working “ at the old address, namely, P.O. Box 2, Port Ahuriri.” Should not something be done to release them?.