THE EARTHQUAKE.

Waikato Times, Volume 109, Issue 18258, 20 February 1931, Page 8

THE EARTHQUAKE.

WORK OF RESTORATION.

REQUESTS TO GOVERNMENT.

A COAIAIISSION URGED,

NAPIER, Thursday

The following telegram has been sent to the Prime Alinister by Air Barnard, AI.P., for Napier:— “ The big question of what measures are to be taken, and when, fq« the restoration of the earthquake area, is becoming increasingly importtant and urgent. After much thought and consultation with numerous constituents, I desire to recomend for your favourable consideration —(I) that the Government immediately cause comprehensive arrangements to be made for ascertaining the total loss suffered through the earthquake and fire; (2) that a commission or other suitable body he set up immediately to investigate and advise as to the best methods fop the rehabilitation of the earthquake area. I urge that both steps are necessary so that Parliament may have sufficient facts and advice before it when the coming session begins to consider and decide on the measures to be adopted for the restoration of the district.

THREE MORE VIOLENT SHOCKS. FOLLOAVED BY AIINOR TREAIORS. SHOPS SPRINGING UP. (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) NAPIER, Friday. Three fairly violent shocks were felt in Napier between 4 and 5 a.m. to-day, followed by several minor tremors. The weather is line, the wind westerly, and Lite sea calm. Wonderful work is being done in clearing the debris, and some streets now' possess usable footpaths. Shops are springing up all over the city centre, and an effort is to be made to control the erection of temporary premises. ] , Hon. R. Alasters, representing the Prime Alinister, is having discussions with the local bodies. He will later proceed to Hastings, and thence to Wellington.

CARE OF CHILDREN.

AVORK OF AVELFARE BRANCH

STATEAIENT BY AIINISTER

(By Telegraph.—Press Association.) NELSON, Friday

lion. Harry Atrnore, Minister of Education stated to-day that in view of the number of children from the devastated area of Hawke's Bay 'who have been placed out in. private homes either direct or from refugee camps, and also of the fact that a number of applications have been received by the Child AVelfare branch of his department from people who are willing to take such children, and in some cases adopt . children who have lost their parents as a result of the earthquake, he considered it necessary to make a public announcement covering the position. ( The Alinister said if all such cases' w 7 ere reported to the nearest district officer ol' the Child Welfare branch iarrangements would .be made for investigation and aetion. In the course of its ordinary duties the branch is required to investigate and report on all applications for adoptions, and under the provision of Part A', of the Infants’ Act it also supervises all cases where children under six years are maintained, whether 'for payment or not, in private homes, apart from their parents. Child Welfare offices exist in (the principal centres, and the officers attached thereto can always be referred to and are available to give advice, make investigations, or supervise any child or family who, in these special circumstances, is likely to require permanent social readjustment. Air Atrnore invites the co-operation of tlie relief committees and private social service organisations particularly in the direction of notifying the nearest Child Welfare officer of any cases where children have been placed either with a view to adoption or for board oilier than merely temporary arrangements. Foster parents ol' State children or children placed under the infant life prolectioif’scheme who have removed from the devastated area should communicate as early as possible with the nearest child welfare officer.

SCHEME TO RECOMPENSE OWNERS MEETING OF POLICY-HOLDERS. NAPIER, Thursday. A scheme for recompensing owners of burned properties in Napier and Hastings who had no earthquake insurance was advanced by a meeting of fire policy-holders in Napier today. The proposal was that the insurance companies should pay 20 per cent, of the loss and that Hie other 80 per cent, should lie met by a cheap loan on the London market, Hie interest and sinking fund on this to be paid by an increase of 12 4 per cent, in all fire insurance premiums throughout New Zealand. The meeting commended the scheme and decided to urge that a conference be held between the Fire Underwriters’ Association, the Government and representative Hawke's Bay business men. It was agreed that a condition should be that all moneys received must be used in rebuilding or replacing stocks, or otherwise invested in the district.

FURTHER DEAD PROBABLE. LIGHTING AND SEWERAGE. NAPIER, Thursday. Street ligliling at Napier lias been furllici' extended, and Hie water and sewerage systems are still receiving alleniion. 'There arc indications dial, further bodies remain to be discovered in one or two localities. No attempt lias yet been made lo clear Ilie breakwater road. (Continued In next column.i.

PRIIVIE MINISTER'S FUND. TOTAL REACHES £150,553. WELLINGTON, Friday. The Prime Minister's fund has reached £150,553 12s lOd. THAMES VALLEY TOWNS. LISTS MOUNTING. (Special to Times.) TE AROHA, Friday. A fine spirit of friendly rivalry is animating Thames Valley towns in the re-doubling of efforts to swell the relief funds. In'all centres, committees have been formed. Local functions giving gross proceeds to local funds are being freely organised at Te Aroha. The figures at noon to-day for the various funds are: — £ Te Arolra Jj-i Morrinsville • Thames 021 Paeroa 263 Ilauraki Plains 100 Recent contributions include £IOO from the Piako County Council, divided btween the Te Aroha and Morrinsville funds. RE-OPENING OF HOTELS. MATTER IN ABEYANCE. NAPIER, Thursday. The Napier Citizens’ Control Committee announced yesterday that hotels in Napier would be allowed to open from noon to 2 p.m. and from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. for the sale of liquor for consumption on the premises only. To-day the committee issued the following notice: —"The question of reopening all hotels is in abeyance pending the examination of the hotels for structural condition and the provision of sanitary conveniences, and also pending the approval of the Licensing Committee.” The inspector of police at Hastings staled to-day that the hotels in the borough would be opened as soon as „!! the premises had been rendered ill lW use. Three hotels would be allowed to erect" temporary bars. .

ITEMS OF INTEREST.

Reconstruction is being started at the Pakipaki and Whakatu freezing works. The latter expects to recommence killing in six weeks. The trustees of the Dunedin Savings Bank have granted £51)0 to the earthquake. fund, subject to the Government's approval. it was decided to devote the proceeds of the dance organised by the young people of the Paterangi district to the earthquake relief fund. There was a fair attendance. Music was supplied by the To Awamutu Orchestra, and Mr G. Finch acted as M.G.

The Marine Department has received a report from the Government lighthouse steamer Matai, which is taking soundings in Ilawke's Bay, that the vessel has completed soundings in the vicinity of Napier and its approaches, and has discovered a slight uplift close in-shore.

interviewed regarding the suggestion made by the women’s division of the. Farmers’ Union that the division should adopt all earthquake orphans, Mrs C. G. Jackson, Dominion president, stated to-day that the scheme was merely a suggestion. It was not known if there were any orphans as a result of the earthquake disaster, but if there were the division would be pleased to adopt them.

The Drury branch of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union has made arrangements whereby stock donated by farmers of the district may be sold at the Westfield market and the proceeds devoted to relief. The New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency CO., Ltd., Alfred Buckland and Sons, Ltd., and Dalgety and Co., Ltd., have offered to sell the gift stock without charging commission. Assistance has also been promised by a number of motor lorry owners who have undertaken to transport the stock without charge.