§ 22. Sir P. Macdonaldasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he has any report to make on the recent hurricane in British Honduras; what is the extent of the damage; and what has been done to assist those who have suffered in this connection.
§ Mr. George HallI regret to state that there have been two recent hurricanes in British Honduras. The first struck Belize on 31st August. It caused five deaths, and serious damage to agricultural crops. A further severe hurricane struck the southern part of the Colony on 4th October. It destroyed some 80 per cent. of the town of Punta Gorda and caused extensive damage to agricultural crops and to property, though I am glad to say that only one death was caused. A sum of money has been made available for the immediate relief of farmers in the Belize district and an appeal has been made to the public for subscriptions to a relief fund. No estimate is yet available of the sum which will be required for the relief of distress in the southern part of the Colony damaged in the second hurricane, but measures have been taken for immediate relief and for temporary housing and the position is well in hand. I am in communication with the Governor as to whether any further assistance is required.