NEW GUINEA ERUPTION.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVII, Issue 153, 31 May 1937, Page 8

NEW GUINEA ERUPTION.

TWO VOLCANOES ACTIVE

RABAUL DEEP IN PUMICE. Received Mav 31,-10.55 a.m. SYDNEY, May 31. Two active eruptions are occurring at Vulcan Island in Blanche Bay and Matupi crater, on the north side of Rabaul harbour. Vulcan Island was thrown up out of the sea in one night about 60 years ago by a subterranean volcanic disturbance. The evacuation of Rabaul has been ordered by the New Guinea Administration as a safety measure. The Administrator, . Brigadier-General McNicoll, at present is absent from Rabaul, being on a. visit of inspection to the Morobe goldfields. Rabaul is threatened by one of the most severe volcanic disturbances in the history of the territory. As a tidal wave is feared the population of 4500 has been evacuated, except for?2o white men and some native police, who will remain to send on what food is available. Two volcanoes were in active eruption yesterday and Rabaul is inches deep in pumice dust. Thick sulphur fumes also swept the town. According to information received by the Defence Department in Melbourne, one island has disappeared and a new island has been forced up as the result of the submarine disturbance. Thus far no loss of life is reported, but it is feared that a tidal wave may wipe out the town.

Landslides have blocked the roads to Koknpo and the- evacuation was accomplished by sea. The ship Moresby, with food and medical supplies, will arrive at Rabaul in three or four days.