1931 began with an increased roll, as the college took in girls from colleges which had been damaged in the Napier earthquake. A dozen boarding places were offered free of charge to assist families. Whilst the earthquake's impact on Hawke's Bay schools was tragic, the resulting influx for Solway is credited as having insulated the school against the worst effects of the Great Depression. Nonetheless, the school could not entirely escape hardship. In 1932, the board effected a 20% salary cut, with some discussion on possible closure, as the roll dropped to a mere 50. By comparison, however, the school appeared in reasonable shape: Dr Gibb, then chairman of the board of governors at Scots College commented at the time to principal Marion Thompson: "where ever did you get 50 boarders?"