TOWNS MAY BE SAVED.

Auckland Star, Volume LIV, Issue 147, 22 June 1923, Page 5

TOWNS MAY BE SAVED.

100,000 REFUGEES.

LONDOX.. June 21. The flew of lava is creeping forward in the vicinity of Caetiglione, to the north-east of the great crater. Peasants attribute the present safety of Castiglione and Lingualosa to St. Egidio's pastoral staff, which was planted in the path of the lava stream.

A hundred thousand refugees have reached Catania, some in carts, others on donkeys, but most afoot. Travellers and tourists are barred from the congested areas. Most of the refugees are stunned with tfce loss of all their possessions. Continuance of earth shocks and rumblinprs adds to their dismay. The task of the airmen who are watching the lava flow is seriously hampered by noxious gases, which prevent low flying.

A later communique issued in Rome .nays, that the lava stream has now divided into two branches. One Is pointing toward liintrualosa station, from -which it is two miles distant. The other, which is of vaster volume, after destroying Terra station and a tract of the provincial road, is now skirtine the foot of a hill, -which will determine the future direction of the Ixva. If the lava swerve* to the Tisrht "Lineiialosa will he floored, but if it is diverted to. the left thp lava, will overflow the nlains.

The Kins Tins arrived at Linsnialosa. which at prpspnt is not threatened.—(A. and N.Z. "Cable.)