§ Mr. GOULD (by Private Notice)asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he has any statement to make on the reported earthquake in New Zealand?
Governor-General of New Zealand which I will read to the House:Severe earthquake occurred this morning in districts of Hawkes Bay North Island centre of intensity being at Napier and Hastings with combined population of about thirty thousand considerable damage to buildings from earthquake and fire accompanied by loss of life extent of which not yet ascertainable. No appreciable damage in districts other than portions of Hawkes Bay.I am sure that the House will wish to join in expressing our deep sympathy with the Dominion and with our fellow subjects there in the loss of life and in the sufferings caused by the earthquake. I have already telegraphed to the Governor-General expressing the sympathy of His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom and have asked him to keep us informed of the position as fully as possible.