MUNITION FACTORY EXPLOSION

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 2985, 24 January 1917, Page 5

MUNITION FACTORY EXPLOSION

SEARCHING INQUIRY BEING MADE London, January 22. Dr. C. Addison (Minister o£ Muni J tions), speaking at the Mansion. House, said a searching inquiry was being made into the cause of the explosjpn. Any suggestions to prevent a recurrence would be fearlessly adopted. Ho emphasised that there was no occasion for alarm. Apart from the risk of fire, to which most of ; tho . explosions, were hitherto aue, the. shells were liarmloss. Dr. Addison stated that ho required • four thousand additional women as munition workers monthly.—Reuter. AWE-INSPIRING SPECTACLE London, January 22. Tho forcc of tho explosion caused a great gasometer it tho opposite side of the river, tho largest in Europe, to cant sideways and then split open. Millions of cubic feet of gas shot up, and was apparently ignited high in the_ air by; flaming particles from tho chemical factory. It produced", an spectacle.—Aus.-N.Z., Cable Assn. PATHETIC SCENES AT THE INQUEST . (Rec. January 23, 6.15 p.m.) London, January 22. No doubt is felt that tho tragedy was purely accidental, but wild rumour 6 have been current that the killed and wounded total thousands. The search of the ruins continues. Tho belief in official circles is that tho death roll will not exceed a Irundred, the seriously injured about 150, and those with lesser injuries 500. There were many cases of looting in the ruins. There wero pathetic scenes at the inquest. The Coroner announced that he was not attempting full investigation. The evidence disclosed several extraordinary tragic escapes. Tho local Mayor stated that there .were a thousand homeless, and that the Government was prepared to do something to relieve distress. CounseT on ' behalf of tho Minister of Munitions announced that all proper claims For injury and damage to property would bo met. The Munitions Company also promised to generously deal with compensation claims. ■' ' The inquest has been adjourned for ■ a fortnight. Reports indicate the explosion was lieard away.—Aus.-N.Z. Cablo Assn.. INSURANCE" CLAIMS (Rec. January 23, 6.15 p.m.) London, January 22. The Insurance Companies assert that the companies were not liable for damage caused by the munition factory explosion, though some may make compassionate allowances.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. brokenllass (Rcc. January 23, 6.15 p.m.)' London, January 22. It is estimated that the explosion broke a thousand pounds worth oi glass in London—"Tho Times." HELP FOR SUFFERERS (Rec. January 23, 8.20 p.m.) London, January 23. His Majesty the King has contributed £250, and the Queen and the Queen Mother Alexandra £100 each for the roliof of the explosion sufferers.—Aus.N.Z. Cable Assn.-Reuter. '