Journal: Earthquake. Day 7.
Body count this morning 155, the authorities think it may rise to 240 over time. More expected to be found today.

 A week has gone by and a 2 minutes silence at 12.51p.m. is to be held. The evening news reported that in Auckland and in various other cites, vehicles, including buses pulled up at the pavement edge and with the people, observed the silence. We too,observed the silence in our home.

5 looters caught last night, mainly robbing deserted houses. One house of jewelry. Looting like in many other countries is considered a particularly serious offence.

Christchurch being a particularly pleasant city to live has, over the years, attracted more than its fair share of the criminal fraternity and those with a drug habit. Thank goodness for the extra police from Australia.

Pat wrote a cheque for $50.00 yesterday for the Salvation Army and I dropped it in during my visit down town at the appropriate bank. We wish it could have been more. The Salvation Army get little acknowledgement from the general public, TV or Radio stations. They are always there at disasters, giving out food with a cup of tea if wanted, and a smile, with a few kind words to troubled souls, if needed.

During my days as a young man in the British forces many of us have much to thank the Sallies for, for that cup of hot, sweet tea and their time given so willingly.

Major damaged buildings are the modern buildings. Authorities are calling for extra earthquake proofing to present earthquake proofing of buildings. At extra costing. Areas in NZ prone to 'quakes' will need to upgrade. Thank goodness we live in the Waikato without major 'quakes'.

Most of the damage is is of course in the central business district... CBD and to the eastern side of the city. The western side of the city is mostly untouched and life is mainly normal, unless you happen to work in the CMD. No cracks in the roads, water supply OK, sewage OK, etc., etc.

Everyone working in the Christchurch 'quake damaged areas, still work steadily doing what needs to be done, with more and more joining in like the Farmy Army with their farm machinery and their wives at the nearest memorial hall cooking food for hungry appetites. The Student Army are still doing a marvellous job and calling for more students from Dunedin to join them.

Body count risen to 159 as I leave this missive. I feel I want to get my spade and shovel and go and help them but Pat says I'm a silly old fool at 77. I wish I was younger.