LAVA FLOW ABATING.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume XLII, Issue XLII, 23 June 1923, Page 7

LAVA FLOW ABATING.

RESIDENTS STILL APPREHENSIVE

BY CABL&-PBESS ASSGC,7.,: JON—COPYRIGHT ROME June 21. Tito latest reports indicate that the • eruption of Etna is abating. The flow of lava at several points is reduced to a crawl, although the craters are smolc- : ing and emitting cinders and dust. The.' residents are naturally sceptical, remembering how last night's expecta- " tions were unfulfilled. The power•'foouse at the Alcantra. River, which supplies the whole of Sicily : was saved hj the stream diverting. The Premier (Signor Mussolini) arTived to-day and .set to work organising relief. With his characteristic energy lie summoned the local officials to a ascertained the immediate needs, and within a few hours had a scheme actually in. operation to meet the immediate needs of the homeless. The Daily Telegraph's special correspondent says that when, for the first time since Sunday, Etna was clear of clouds, two-thirds of the mountain was a picture of peace and tranquillity, and appeared in striking contrast to a belt lielow, where numerous fissures had opened, from which dense white steam and ominous black smoke was issuing. Meanwhile, hundreds of thousands of •people -were mutely gazing at the black lava, streams, which crept slowly into <jvery little depression. Only a few of the actual inhabitants remained, as most had gone away sadly. The spectators comprised people from distant Tillages and tourists, all gazing fixedly j at the desolate scene. j All fear has subsided in Lingnag- ; lossa. It is remarkable how rapidly '. "the inhabitants recover their silent

•composure and no longer seem, to heed i EOME, June 21. i A communique issued by the Govern- ' Client states that, while thankino; foreign countries for offers of assistance in succouring the Etna victims, it must decline the same on the ground that the Italian people are fully capable of ■-taking all measures to alleviate the suf--fering. The only acceptable foreign otters of help would be from Italians • abroad.