FATE OF PETROGRAD HANGS IN THE BALANCE.

North Otago Times, Volume CVI, Issue 13975, 11 September 1917, Page 5

FATE OF PETROGRAD HANGS IN THE BALANCE.

RUDE AWAKENING FOR UNCONCERNED RUSSIAN f : ;; PEOPLE. • STARTLED BY TREMENDOUS BOMBARDMENT OF . • RIGA. i. A] y::- | ("The Times" Service.) Received September 10/ at 7.15 p.m. ■r PETROGRAD, September 9. The fate of Petrogrnd hangs 1 in the balance: The Russians, are hastily entrenching across Courlaiul. < ofecials armed with arbitrary power, stop the stream of refu-, gees outside the city, directing the exodus to the eastern-pro : .<. vinces.' The congestion on all the roads towards the city lias reached enormous proportions. The people are mostly penniless and homeless, and are adding greatly to the Government's perplexities in view of the coining winter. 1 The Government, beside*' taking military measures is closing the places o| amusement, and placing restrictions on the lighting, hoping that the discom- ' forts will drive out all, excepting those compelled to remain .for' business. _ ■ ■■■■•' The refugees state that the fall of Riga came as a dramatic unexpected blow. The civilian population, who were unaware of the Russian troops' retirement continued their business as usual, until the tremendous bombardment fell on the city, chemical shells causing a darkening pall of smoke. The terror-stricken j populace fled wildly through tire gas-poisoned streets, huge shells, \ falling in their midst, slaughtering and maiming hundreds, aiid I .setting- houses afire. Terrible scenes were witnessed in the mad ' ' panic at the railway station, The refugees ran the gauntlet of 'bunting shells. "Thousands were left behind.- .