THE EAST COAST FLOODS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 80, Issue 101, 2 May 1938, Page 6

THE EAST COAST FLOODS

pT LLER reports reveal that the floods which have occurred on the East. Coast of the North Island have been more severe than usual ami that the damage done is likely to be so extensive as to merit being called a major catastrophe. The misfortune which has fallen upon Ihe people of the East Coast will call from the rest of the Dominion a large measure of sympathy and it is Appropriate that this should be so. But sympathy is not enough, practical help is called for. The most important question to decide now is what form shall that help take? It is to be hoped that the help will not. take the form of temporary loans which will enable the sufferers to tide over their immediate difficulties, but leaving them open to the risk of again meeting a similar visitation of adversity. To adopt such a policy will be shortsighted and of limited value to the Hawke's Bay province anti the Poverty Bay district. The Minister concerned has engaged in a tour of inspection using for this purpose an aeroplane. It is well that he lias taken this step, for by using an aeroplane he will see. clearly that the. problem is not local but widespread and therefore comprehensive planning against a recurrence of the flood danger is called for. The Chronicle, after every flood in recent years, has urged that this comprehensive effort be made and now that widespread damage has resulted from the neglect of such a policy there is a prospect of the required action being taken. If such moves to he th of evil will have come good.