Rev. E. Nicholls
NZ Baptist - April 1931

Hastings In General

No one will believe that Napier and Hastings have not a fine future ahead of them. The district is too rich in resources to be permanently cast down by the recent occurrences. Some of our readers may be longing to know how we are getting on in this strange place that was once Hastings, and what we are doing. One thing is certain and that is our estimate of earthquakes has altered considerably, and only those which dislodge masonry or things from shelves are classed as big. Already the restoration work that has been done is amazing. There is plenty of work for every man to do, and every woman here is needed to help cook for them all. A strange life this—no washing, no sweeping, no dusting, no ironing, no baking, no sewing, and no callers.

Men buzz about everywhere. They can be seen carrying tables and chairs in odd parts of the ruined streets, digging out their cars from under their ruined premises, and exerting their powers to the utmost in every direction to clean up the town. They are succeeding, too, and gradually stricken buildings disappear and level earth is disclosed. The men-folk are bravely tackling what looked a hopeless mass of wreckage, and tidying things generally to make Hastings more habitable. Unstinted and well-deserved praise must be bestowed upon the women of Hastings in all walks of life, who have accomplished such splendid work during the period since the earthquake. Behind the men, in quiet corners here and there, in tents, in shacks, in outhouses or in the open, are the silent, uncomplaining, faithful women, without whose patient service the work of the men would be largely impossible, or at any rate rendered infinitely more difficult. They serve while they stand and wait upon their men-folk. They know, as the men do, the incalculable value of an undivided home in days of stress and peril, and in spite of natural disadvantages and a constant strain greater than men can realise, they have nobly stuck to their posts and revealed the glories of quiet and unassuming heroism.

It is rather novel to go visiting nowadays. No one has polished the floor or has cooked specialty, and you get such a warm welcome as you announce your arrival by a "coo-ee" somewhere near the fowl-house. There is rather a spirit of rivalry over the outdoor fireplaces. "See my fireplace" is an invitation followed by a keen and critical inspection on the part of the visitor. Bricks are usually the foundation for a grate, or to support an oven slide, or as a fireplace under two kerosene tins. The chimneys are generally genuine antiques, well rusted. A few have awnings above, but most people trust to luck and Hawke's Bay weather, simply saying, "Well, if it rains, tinned food."

Church Work In Particular

In connection with our Church and worship in Hastings, we have suffered in common with the rest of our fellow-citizens in Hastings because of the dreadful calamity that overtook the district. But we realise, as all of us must, that the only thing to do is to put a stout heart to a stiff task of reconstruction, and carry on to the best of our ability. The practical help given in the way of financial relief has been much appreciated. The expedition with which the Auckland churches dealt out financial aid is in striking contrast with the famous occasion when help was offered somewhat late in the day, and Dr Johnson said to Lord Chesterfield: "Had it been early it had been kind." Likewise the Baptist Union's support to our Church finances, through the channel of the Central Auxiliary, is just wonderful, thereby removing a heavy load from our shoulders and enabling us to turn our energies to prayer and the ministry of the Word.

We are gradually getting back to normal conditions. Our mid-week prayer meeting is re-established, likewise the choir practices. Every Sunday afternoon since the quake we have held united open-air services in the different parks of the town. These services have been much appreciated by many. Open-air interdenominational Sunday Schools, have also been held on Sunday mornings at 10 o'clock. On Sunday mornings the Hastings Methodists united with us for worship in our church grounds, and later in our church buildings.

On Sunday morning, March 8, we were favoured with a surprise visit from Rev. J. W. Kemp, who having a free morning, came over from Napier and preached to our united gathering with much acceptance and blessing. On Sunday, March 15, Mr Kemp spent the day with us. The day will be long remembered by us all. In the morning there was a memorial service to a local scoutmaster and for Boy Scouts who lost their lives in the quake. In the afternoon we held a Bible Class Rally and tea, which was attended by over fifty young people. It was an inspiring time and a lovely beginning after two months of severance resulting from dislocation following the earthquake, and that on top of the summer recess. In the evening we had the crowning meeting of the day. The Hastings Methodists again united with us. The church was packed, the singing was fervent, and the message inspiring. We are deeply grateful to Mr Kemp for coming amongst us, and to the Auckland Tabernacle for sparing him to us in our time of trial and need. We shall not forget this kindness. We wait upon the Lord in order to renew our strength. The nearer we get to God the purer will be our spiritual atmosphere and the more thoroughly humbly and earnestly will we discharge every duty to our fellow-men.

Blessed be the trials, however sharp, that keep us from nestling down into selfishness and slothfulness. Blessed be the discipline, however painful and severe, that stirs up our nests and teaches us to live as sons and daughters of the Almighty.