THIRD VOLCANO STARTS

Grey River Argus, 3 June 1937, Page 5

THIRD VOLCANO STARTS

VULCAN ISLAND DEATHS Women and Children to go to Australia (Aus. & N.Z. Cable Assn). SYDNEY, June 2. The Administrator has reported that a third volcano has broken out- near Vulcan IslandAll three volcanoes are erupting vigorously, but there was no danger to Kokopo, which is believed to be outside the danger zoneAlthough official messages emphasised' that there has been no loss of life among the white population at Rabaul, it is now believed that some natives were overwhelmed by the first eruption of the Vulcan Island canoThe Administrator has declared a state of emergency, and all whire women and children are to be evacuated to Australia-

Rabaul Under Ashes

THIRD VOLCANO’S FAST RISE. (Received June 2, 9.15 p.m.) RABAUL, June 2. The special correspondent of the Australian Associated (Press here, in a radio message, says: Rabaul presents t'he sight of a blighted townhip. The trees are stripped of foliage. The houses, which are smothered with dust and a-hes, are deserted. The majority of the streets are impassable. Only one woman Mrs Bignell of the Rabaul Hotel, who refused to desert her post remains. She is busily employed feeding the few remaining men engaged in the transportation of food supplies from the stores at Nordup Beach, where they are being .shipped to the European, Asiatic and native refugees at Kokopo. The organisation is excellent. There is no shortage of food at present. The Administrator advises that European women and children are co proceed to Australia as quickly tts possible There is a newly-formed, third, volcano in the vicinity of Vulcan Island It is now 610 feet high, and is a mile and a-half wide. It is emitting huge volumes of steam and. ashes all day. The second eruption, near Matupi Island, is diminishing. It has provided a wonderful spectacle at night. Several of the plantations on the north coast of New Britain have been severely damaged. ■ It is' suggested that the cause of the outbreak is due to the recent inactivity o n the part of the “Father” Volcano, situated in the Talasea district. It has long been recognised as Rabaul < safety valve. European and native police are constantly patrolling and safeguarding the property in Rabaul.