Newspaper Article 1931 – Aid After Earthquake

Amongst them, and some of the best, was that of some 200 men organised by Mr. J.B. Speakman. “They have been busy all day getting the injured to places of succour. Dressing stations, with the assistance of the doctors and the Red Cross, have been established at Nelson Park, Civic Square, McLean Park, Fox’s House at Awatoto, and Napier Park racecourse, where hundreds of injured people are receiving attention, though deaths hourly occur. An operating station has been installed at the racecourse. There is a first-aid station at the Botanical Gardens. Dozens of people have placed garages and other comparatively safe buildings at the disposal of the helpers.

The women of Napier are wonderful. “It’s no use being any other way, times like these,” said one of them and this seems the general motto; but to see it carried out so thoroughly is amazing. Death is a commonplace in every street, but people are too busy to wear the customary gloom in such cases, working for others taking its place. Concerted action is yet impossible, but a great deal is being done.