THE ETNA ERUPTION

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18896, 23 June 1923, Page 7

THE ETNA ERUPTION

RESUMPTION OF ACTIVITY. CINDERS AND LAVA EMITTED DESPERATE RELIEF WORK Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyingnt ROME, June 21. The hopes that Etna’s eruption was dying down were doomed to disappointment. Last night the volcano resumed its former fury. It belched up cinders in enormous quantities, and great volumes of lava poured down the slopes. It is still impossible to forecast whether Lingttaglossa and Caatiglione will escape. The former town is being gradually surrounded by a lava stream. Engineers are working desperately, digging trenches in the threatened regions in order to divert the lava. The King joined the terrified refugees, assuring them that every effort would be made to house and feed them. He visited the stricken regions, and went close to the flowing lava, encouraging the engineers. The American Ambassador will arrive at Catania to assist in tho work of succour. Signor Mussolini and other Ministers are expected to-day. Subscriptions for the homeless have opened all over tho country, and are meeting with a generous response.—A. and N.Z. Gable. OFFERS OF ASSISTANCE. FOREIGN HELP DECLINED. ROME, June 21. (Received June 22, at 5.5 p.m.) A communique states that the Government, while thanking foreign countries for their offers of assistance in succouring the Etna victims, must decline these offers on the ground that the Italian people are fully capable of taking all measures to alleviate the suffering. The only accepted foreign offers of help would be from Italians abroad.—A. and N.Z. Cable. ERUPTION ABATING. RELIEF MEASURES ORGANISED. SIGNOR MUSSOLINI’S ENERGY. ROME, June 21.

(Received June 22, at 7.40 p.m.) The latest reports indicate that the eruption at Etna is abating. The flow of lava at several points has been reduced to a crawl although the craters are still smoking and emitting cinders and dust. The residents are naturally sceptical, remembering how last night’s expectations were unfulfilled. The power-house on the Alcantara River which supplies the whole of Sicily was saved by the stream being diverted. Signor Mussolini arrived to-day and set

to work organising relief with characteristic energy. He summoned the local officials to a conference and ascertained the immediate needs, and within a few hours bad a scheme actually in operation to meet the immediate needs of the homeless.— A. and N.Z. Cable. RETURNING TO NORMAL. RESIDENTS REGAIN COMPOSURE. LONDON, June 21. (Received June 22, at 8.30 p.m.) Tlie Daily Telegraph's special correspondent says that when for the first time since Sunday Etna was clear of clouds two-thirds of the mountain were a picture of peace and tranquility, and appeared in striking contrast to the belt below where numerous fissures had opened, whence dense white steam and ominous black smoke were issuing. Meanwhile hundreds of thousands of people were mutely gazing at tho black lava stream which crept slowly into every little depression. Only a few of the actual inhabitants remained. Most had gone away sadly. The spectators comprised the people from distant villages and tourists—all gazing fixedly at the desolate scene. All fear has subsided in Linguaglossa. It is remarkable how rapidly the inhabitants recover their silent composure and no longer seem to heed tire danger. — A. and N.Z. Cable.