The Wanganui Chronicle TUESDAY, JANUARY 30, 1934. PROVISION FOR EARTHQUAKES

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 77, Issue 25, 30 January 1934, Page 4

The Wanganui Chronicle TUESDAY, JANUARY 30, 1934. PROVISION FOR EARTHQUAKES

TTIE devastating effect of the earthquake in India brings to notice once again the necessity for providing for such disasters. There are specified areas on the globe which are definitely known to be what is called “in the earthquake area.” Certain areas of New Zealand are known to be within such an area, and certain areas are believed to be outside of its influence. Certain countries are known to be entirely outside of the earthquake areas, and others again are known to be wholly, or in part, within such an area. The League of Nations has fashioned a scheme for the setting up of a Central Fund to which countries within earthquake areas shall contribute, in order that provision shall be available when a catastrophe occurs. The scheme received a considerable degree of approval, but no country appears to have been willing to make 1 contributions towards such a fund. The scheme has, therefore, died at birth. The same experience has befallen the efforts of the Prime Minister to make provision against earthquakes within New Zealand. A Bill was brought forward which made it necessary for all owners of property to virtually insure their properties against damage by earthquake; but opposition came from those areas which considered themselves to be immune from such a risk, and the Bill was dropped. When an earthquake does occur, then the purse strings are opened by compassion; but it is not enough for people who have to face known possibilities to depend upon the largesse of the world at large. Something more in the nature of provision should be undertaken before eatastrophies occur. It is bettor that a fund should be available beforehand than to risk the result of appeals for voluntary contributions. An effort should be made within New Zealand to create a fund for provision against earthquakes. The last experience may be again enacted at any moment, while it may not again occur for another half a century, but when it does come it will give no warning. It will occur with a suddenness that disorganises every effort for a time, and makes provision for refugees and for those who seek to re-establish their old homes, not easily come by.