PHENOMENAL APPETITE OF LITTLE GIRL

Press, Volume XCVI, Issue 28414, 22 October 1957, Page 13

PHENOMENAL APPETITE OF LITTLE GIRL

(Rec. 8 p.m.) LONDON. Oct. 20. The phenomenal appetite of a tiny Italian girl has swallowed the finances of her village, spilt the community, and landed her father in gaol, according to the ‘‘Daily Mail.” Luciana Barboni has to eat every two hours. Every day she needs at least a dozen bananas, two large steaks, and a pile of rice. The cause of Luciana’s hunger is an oversized colon, and in spue 10l all she eats she is still smaller than other girls of her age. I Surgeons believe they can cure Luciana. but no operation can be attempted before she is 12. Meanwhile, in the Lombardy village of Casaletto Ceredano. her mother is trying to feed Luciana and seven other children on a charity allowance of 10s a day.

Several years ago her father. Vittorio, appealed for public aid The villagers were generous, the family was given credit at rhe village stores, and Vittorio landed a £9 a week job in nearby Milan.

But Luciana began to cat faster The village treasury was eaten up. Shopkeepers could no longer spare cred i t.

Vittorio appealed in vain to the Mayor for help. Angry words followed, and Vittorio gave the Mayor a beating and was gaoled for assault.

To add to the problem an eighth child was born to Mrs Rosa Ba.--boni.

She was urged to place Luciana in a foster home, but refused, and to economise has moved the family into a one-room flat while she waits for her husband’s release.