AWE-INSPIRING.

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 270, 14 November 1928, Page 7

AWE-INSPIRING.

BLAZING CASCADES.

Sensational Flight Over Mount

Etna In Eruption,

LAVA DIMINISHING.

(Australian and N.Z. Press Association.)

(Received 1.30 p.m.)

ROME, November 13.

Etna is even more awe-inspiring to-day. There were sustained eruptions, which enlarged the principal outlet, and lava is falling in blazing cascades on the mountain side. This is more spectacular than devastating. Thousands of tourists are observing a sublime sight at a safe distance.

The actual lava stream is diminishing. The town of Giarre is now believed to be out of danger. The inhabitants of Riposo and Giarre are waterless. Catania is still anxious in view of the fact that the eruption, which took the same course and intensity in 1669, wiped out the city.

The Pope has promised new churches to be re-erected. Lava will be blown by dynamite from the fields, the value of which will be enhanced as they will be beneficially fertilised by the powered lava. Unexpected good fortune has befallen a great number of the distressed people. They participated in a lottery on Saturday before the disaster and were overjoyed to learn that they won £166,000.

Professor Ponte made a thrilling air flight over the crater and narrowly escaped disaster owing to the heat of the red hot lava. The aeroplane slipped an air pocket, lurched and fell until only 70 feet from the inferno. The aviator, Lieutenant Zanelli, just righted the machine in time to fly clear. As the result of Professor Ponte's investigation experts are of opinion that the main conduit of the crater is blocked, hence the eruptive violence of the lava, which forced a way through the Assures. This increased the thickness of the lava streams. However, this is now impeding the progress of the flow. Thus far the lava emitted totals 400,000,000 cubic metres. Professor Zungali, Secretary of the Fascist organisation, officially reports that the damage done amounts to £1,750,000.

WORST IS OVER.

Etna Expected Soon To

Quieten Down.

FINAL PHASE BEACHED.

(Australian and N.Z. Press Association.) (Received 11.30 a.m.) ROME, November 13. Indications are that Mount Etna 1 ? worst is over and it is considered that the final phase has been entered upon.