Hawke's Bay: 1931 Earthquake Survivors Afternoon Tea

19 January 2012

1931 Earthquake Survivors Afternoon Tea

About 130 earthquake survivors and their carers have already registered to attend the 1931 Hawke’s Bay Earthquake survivor’s afternoon tea, and more are expected to sign up for the celebration on Sunday 12 February 2012.

The afternoon tea has been a highlight of the earthquake commemoration calendar in the past few years as survivors have taken time to commemorate this dramatic event in their lives.

The afternoon tea will again be at Napier Boys High, from 2 – 4pm with doors open at 1.15pm.

Invitations have been sent to past attendees, and any survivors who would like to attend are welcome to contact the Mayor of Napier’s office to register.

Historian Michael Fowler will be the guest speaker talking on “Notable Hastings 1931 earthquake survivors I have interviewed”. Dean Helen Jacobi will lead a prayer of remembrance. There will also be an opportunity to remember those people affected by the recent Christchurch earthquakes.

There will be musical entertainment of the era from Melody Inc and cutting of the Mayor’s cake by the oldest and youngest survivors. Afternoon tea will be served and there will be an opportunity for guests to meet up with people from their old neighbourhoods.

The afternoon tea was started by Kathryn Rowe and volunteers more than ten years ago. After changes threatened the ongoing organisation of the afternoon tea, the Mayor of Napier and Hawke’s Bay Civil Defence and Emergency Management Group stepped in to carry on this special celebration for our senior citizens who experienced the 1931 disaster.

Hawke’s Bay Civil Defence Emergency Management Group with Napier City Council and Hawke’s Bay Regional Council are now key organisers, with support from Napier Boys High for the venue and the Red Cross and Art Deco Trust for the running of the event. Community support also comes from Spirit of Lions Club, Pakn’Save, Alsco, Heaven’s Bakery, Mardigrass event hire and the Masonic Hotel.

The Hawke’s Bay Earthquake occurred on 3 February 1931 at 10.47 am. It was measured at 7.8 M on the Richter scale and was centred north of Napier. The quake lasted over 2 minutes and levelled churches, schools, offices and homes, and in Napier was followed by a fire that destroyed most of the central downtown area. 256 people died as a result of this event.

Welcome and thanks: Hastings Mayor Lawrence Yule
Prayer of Remembrance: Dean Helen Jacobi
Guest Speaker: “Notable Hastings 1931 Earthquake survivors I have interviewed" Michael Fowler
Cutting of the Cake: Hastings Mayor with the oldest & youngest survivors
Thanks & final comments: HBRC Councillor Christine Scott
Cuppa & Cake: Volunteers will deliver to you
Mix & Mingle - Visit the place names listed on the hall walls, see the photographs and catch up with old friends. The programme will list those who have confirmed attendance.

ENDS