GREAT ERUPTION

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23204, 31 May 1937, Page 9

GREAT ERUPTION

IN VICINITY OF NEW GUINEA ISLAND SEVERELY SHAKEN A TIDAL WAVE FEAREr (United Press Association) (By Elcrtric Telegraph -Copyright) SYDNEY, May 30. (Received May 30, at 9 p.m.) A big volcanic eruption, probably a submarine one, is in progress in New Guinea. Heavy earthquake shocks shook the island all Saturday, having begun on Friday. The wireless station was abandoned on Saturday night as the volcanic fumes were too much for the operators. A Sydney resident received a message on Saturday night from a relative at Rabaul stating that a tremendous explosion occurred in the harbour, from which mud and stones had been hurled high into the air. The blast was followed by a great movement of water, which receded 200 yards from the shore. Local residents fled, fearing that the water would return in a tidal wave. Prior to that a wireless message from Rabaul said: "A great eruption occurred in Blanche Bay, adjacent to Vulcan Island, at 2.30 to-day, following continual earth tremors since dawn. Great excitement prevails in the township and district." Intermittent messages, sent obviously under, terrifying conditions, said the seafront was undergoing a startling change. The water level dropped eight feet and in 10 minutes returned, without, however, the expected tidal wave. The extent of the property damage is not known. There has been no report of loss of life.

RABAUL EVACUATED

RUSH TO COASTAL RESORT SYDNEY, May 30. (Received May 31, at 0.45 a.m.) A radio message recsived in Sydnew to-night states that the whole of the white population of upwards of 3000 has evacuated Rabaul and gone to the coastal resort of Kupopo, 50 miles away. A large number of Asiatics and natives hav<? also left. The evacuation was accomplished by the steamers Montoro which arrived to-day, and the Golden Bear. An appeal has been sent out for a foodship and the naval survey vessel Moresby, which is at present in the Gulf of Carpentaria, is hurrying to New Guinea. It is difficult to obtain details of the latest position in regard to the disturbance owing to the breakdown of the wireless apparatus.