STILL IN ERUPTION.

Gisborne Times, Volume LXVIII, Issue 10742, 13 November 1928, Page 2

STILL IN ERUPTION.

NO SIGN OF CESSATION OF ETNA. - MOLTEN STREAM SWALLOW UP EVERYTHING. WIDENING ROADS. 'United Prosa Assn, by El. Tel. OopyTiifhi (Australian Press Association.) ROME, Nov. 11. There as no sign of a cessation, of the Etna eruption, which already has been described as the worst since the I7th century. .As the lava streams are now all making their way seawards, it is hoped that this will circumscribe the damage. An area of 18 square miles has been completely devastated. The molten stream is slowly swallowing up every tree and building en route. . It was an extraordinary spectacle to see the stream, jetting small llames and bubbling like red-hot steel, tackle a three-arched bridge on the sea coast railway. The arches burst and toppled over singly as though they were toys kicked over by a giant. The stream ultimately penetrated the largest and most solid wine collars, the heat bursting the casks. Troops worked marvels widening the roads and reducing the congestion of the refugees. The lava has caused intense heat, even in Messina, Catania and Taormina, and people are sleeping in the open air. The whole neighborhood is. impregnated with the odour of petroleum. STATUE OF SAINT PLACED BEFORE LAVA PEOPLE PRAY FOR INTERCESSION ALL EFFORTS UNAVAILING United Press Assn, by El. Tel Copyright Australian Press Assn.—United Servlet (Received Nov. 12. 7.20 p.m.) ROME, Nov. 12. Catania reports state that despite the eruption the population of Sicily 'orally celebrated Victor Emanuel’s birthday, which coincided with the armistice on the Italian front. _ Meanwhile, religious fervour in the devastated region* has redoubled. The votive offerings at altars include precious stones and workmen’s tools. Pious processions carrying images and' relics take place amid aweinspiring scenes lit at night by torches and the glow of the molten lava. In such .an atmosphere the statue of Madonna of the Annunciation was brought out at midnight, and placed facing advancing lava. Members of the procession knelt oil the ground, imploring the Madonna to intercede with the Almighty. pleading for a-"’miracle to stop the incessant eruption, but their efforts were unavailing. Finally, the was hurriedly loaded on a lorry and driven off to escape destruotion.