JAPAN’S DISASTER

New Zealand Times, Volume L, Issue 11657, 23 October 1923, Page 5

JAPAN’S DISASTER

GREAT MEMORIAL SERVICE.

ADDRESSES TO DEAD. Australian and N.Z Cable Association TOKIO, October 21. Forty-nine days have elapsed since the earthquake and fire. In order to mark the occasion a great memorial service was held iu the grounds of the military depot in the Honjo district, where nearly 38,000 people who had sought shelter were burned to death. Nearly 200,000 people, many of them relatives of those lost in the disaster, attended. The shrine behind which, are the bones and ashes of the dead of this area and those of other devastated districts had a wonderful display of chrysanthemums and dahlias, sent from various districts. An official ceremony opened the proceedings. The Governor of the Prefecture, the Mayor, and other officials, and Baron Goto, on behalf of the Premier, read addressee to the dead. WOMAN’S ORDEAL MRS HAWKES RETURNING. By Teteirrnph.—Pres*: Assrr,— Coovriebt THURSDAY ISLAND, October 22. The Arafura has art-teed from Japan with Mrs Hawkcs and her son (J. B. ITtnvkes. the- tennis player) on board. She declined an interview, her son explaining that his mother was greatly distressed over the loss of her hnsbnnd, especially as it was learnt by cable on board ttiat his remains had been found. Mrs Hawkes was having a bath in the ton of the Grand Hotel at tho time of the first shock. Her husband on the ground floor, was buried in the crumpled building. Mrs lTawkes was deposited on the roadway, still in the bath, but unhurt.