A THIRD VOLCANO.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVII, Issue 155, 2 June 1937, Page 9

A THIRD VOLCANO.

ALL IN ERUPTION. REPORTS FROM NEW GUINEA. Received June 2, 8.5 a.m. SYDNEY. June 1. The Administrator of New Guinea reported to-night that a third volcano had broken out near Vulcan Island. All three are erupting vigorously. There is no danger to lvokopo, which is believed to be outside the danger zone. The Administrator has declared a ■late of emergency, and all white women and children are to be evacuated to Australia.

Reports from Rabaul state that the town is covered with inches of pumice and dust, which is gradually turning into concrete. No casualties are reported. The work of clearing the streets is proceeding under difficulty. Heavy deposts of pumice and mud brought down the electric transmission line and the radio station is working on an emergency plant. Vulcan Island, which originally had a iow altitude, is now assuming mounta nous proportions. It is still displaying gl-eat activity, but Matupi is less li'ely. Rabaul Harbour is entirely closed to (hipping owing to a big barrier of •nud. Two of Carpenter and Company’s island steamers were overwhelmed with mud and sank in the harbour. The Montoro’s cargo for Salaniaua has been commandeered for lvokopo refugees, who thus will be provisioned until the Malaita arrives. The only people remaining at Rab'aul are a few Governnient officials, wireless operators and some native police. The Administrator of the territory, Brigadier-General W. R. McNicoll, in a wireless message to-day, said the populace of Kokopo was cheerful, despite the liardshins. The people realised that Rabaul would be uninhabitable for some weeks.