TOWN COVERED WITH DUST

Press, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22108, 2 June 1937, Page 9

TOWN COVERED WITH DUST

♦ NEW GUINEA ERUPTION RABAUL UNINHABITABLE FOR SOME WEEKS HARBOUR CLOSED BY BARRIEB OF MUD (UNITED PRESS ASSOCIATIOS-COPTSKaiTj (Received June 1, 9-20 p.ro-> SYDNEY, June 1The latest report from Rabaul states that the town is covered with inches of pumice and dust, which are gradually turning into concrete. No casualties are reported. The work of clearing the streets is proceeding under difficulty. Heavy deposits of pumice and mud brought down an electric transmission line and the radio station is working on an emergency plant. Vulcan Island, which originally had a low altitude, is now assuming mountainous proportions, and is still displaying great activity, but Matupi Island is less lively. Rabaul harbour is entirely closed to shipping because of a big barrier of mud. Two of W. R. Carpenter and Company's island overwhelmed by mud, sank in the harbour. The Montoro's cargo for Salamaua has been commandeered for Kokopo refugees, who wiH thus be supplied with provisions until th« Malaita arrives. Town Almost Deserted The oialy people remaining in. Ba- | baul are a few Government officials wireless, operators, and some native police. The Administrator of the territory (General W. R. McNicholl), in a wireless message to-day sail that the populace of Kokopo was cheerful in spite of hardships. They realised that Rabaul would be= uninhabitable for some weeks. An earlier message said: The refugees at Kokopo are faced with a shortage of water and food, and with the possibility of an epidemic Supplies of food and water are being unloaded from the Montoro. Radio Operators Return Sulphur fumes forced the £«*» operators from the Rabaul .station, but the men returned to their posts late on Sunday. They are now afate to provide only an emergency radio service, which is being relayed to Sydney by the vessels at Communication by sea with Kabaul has been cut off owing to Vulcan Island rising 600 feet amldo*ing the entrance to Rabaul harbour. Dry land now extends from Vulcan Island to Matupi Island. W. R. Carpenter and Company have- received advice that the company's town wharf and forespqrg buildings have collapsed, apparently because of earth subsidence. .._'_',, Burns. Philp have been advised that Matupi is again erupting and the position at Rabaul is becoming dangerous. ■ ' The Administrator at New Guinea reported to-night that a third volcano had broken out near Vulcan Island. All three volcanoes were erupting vigorously, but there was no danger to Kokopo, which is believed to be outside the danger zone.