THE LONDON EXPLOSION

North Otago Times, Volume CIV, Issue 13786, 24 January 1917, Page 2

THE LONDON EXPLOSION

GBEAT GASOMETER EXPLODSB. ' AWE-INSPIRING SPECTACLE. OFFICIALS BELIEVE DISASTER ACCIDENTAL, -- (Per OeWe—Press A»«ui!i«iiiiii—l'lijiyn^i (Australian and N.Z. Cable As'neintion) LONDON. January it The force of the explosion at the munition works caused' a great gasometer on the opposite side of the river—the largest in Europe—to cant sideways, and then split open. A million cubic feet of gas shot up and was apparently ignited high in the air by flaming particles from the chemical factory. The blaze produced an awe-in-spiring spectacle, (Australian and N,Z, Cable Association) Received January 23, at 6,15 p.m. LONDON, January 22.. The insurance companys are not liable for damage due to the munition factory explosion, though some may make compassionate allowances, No doubt is felt that the tragedy was purely accidental, but wild rumours are current. One rumour states that the killed and wounded total thousands, The search of the ruins continues, Belief in official circles is that the deaths will not exceed one hundred, the seriously injured about 150, and the lesser injured 500. There were many cases of looting in the ruins. There was a pathetic scone at the inquest. The coroner announced that he was not attempting a full investigation. Evidence disclosed several extraordinary tragedies and escapes. A local mayor stated that thousands were homeless, but the Government was prepared to do anything to relieve the distress. Counsel on behalf of the Minister of Munitions announced that all proper claims for injury and damage to property would be met, The Munitions Company has also promised to deal generously with compensation claims, The inquest was adjourned for a fortnight, Reports indicate that the explosion was heard 96 miles away. (The Times Service.) Received January 23, at 6.15 p.m. It is estimated that the explosion broke £IO,OOO of glass in London.

STATEMENT BY MINISTER OF MUNITIONS, GLOWING TBIBUTE TO WOMEN WORKERS. (Renter's Telegrams.} LONDON, January 22. Dr Addison (Minister of Munitions) speaking at tap .Mansion House, said a searching inquiry was being made into the cause of the explosion, and any suggestions to prevent a recurrence would lie fpa.rlp.s4y adopted. He emphasised, that, there was no occasion for alarm. Apart from the risk of fire, to which most explosions were hitherto due, the shells were harmless, He stated that the department required 4000 additional women munitionworkers a month, Received January 2;i, at lUJ) p.m,' LONDON, January 22, Dr Addison said the women had played a splendid part in the war. Haifa million were engaged in munitions production and their numbers were increasin? at the rate of iIiOOO monthly. The Minister paid a warm tribute to the work of the Young Women's Christian Association at Sydenham, He could not over-appreciate the women's work and their readiness to risk their lives in the service,

BELIEF CONTRIBUTIONS. EOYAL GENEBOSTTY. (Australian and Kcuter's) Received January 22, at 8.20 p.m. LONDON, January 23. The King has contributed £250, and her Majesty the Queen and Queen Alexandria £IOO each for the relief of the sufferers in the explosion.