ERUPTIONS

Southland Times, Issue 17558, 23 January 1914, Page 6

ERUPTIONS

THE AMBRYM OUTBREAK. NATIVES’ EXPERIENCES. (By Telegraph —Press Assn.—Copyright.) SYDNEY. January 22. Dr. Bowie states that there was a second volcanic outbreak in the island of Ambrym on New Year’s Day. About a hundred natives in the village of Fanbang had their retreat cut off by lava streams, and when Dr. Bowie left, their fate, was unknown. He states Uiat in the first outbreak about one hundred and ten natives perished. Some were overtaken by the fiery lava, and others were drowned in the sea. Many were scalded to death by the boiling waters in trying to escape. He estimates that it will cost at least ten thousand pounds to rebuild the mission hospital, but. as there are now ten active volcanoes on Ambrym. probably a new hospital will bo erected on Matekula or Mala. RIVAL MISSIONARIES. ih’DXEY, January 21. The Daily Telegraph states that it is understood that Dr. Bowie came to Sydney to lay before the Presbyterian sion Board the details of certain proceedings during the first Ambrym out-

break. Statements have been published from missionary sources to the effect that the French recruiting ship went to the island during the progress of the eruption, and when the natives were terror-stricken, secured a number of recruits. These were taker, to various plantations, where they are now working against their will. Another statement is that a number of natives were driven to a narrow neck of land, a guard was mounted. and a threat made that any endeavouring to escape would be immediately shot. Subsequently they were placed aboard the recruiting ship and detained by force. The French version is that the captain of the recruiting vessel was actuated solely by instincts of humanity in rescuing the perishing natives. Dr. Bowie, by his interference, hindered the French work of saving lives. THE S AKURASHIMA DISASTER. AN OFFICIAL ACCOUNT. , SYDNEY. January 22. Tile Japanese Consul General has received an official cable from ■ Tokio. stating that, although the crater of the Sakurashima volcano is likely to continue actively for some time, no damage is now anticipated. An examination of the district showed that eight hundred and forty houses, in nine villages out of eighteen on the island. were totally burnt down. A large number of domestic animals were killed and injured, but the casualties to inhabitants r-eem fewer than were expected. Other districts, such as Kimotsuki and Kora, also suffered damage from the great amount of pumice stone and ashes which fell. Beside fhc twenty thousand inhabitants of Sakurashima, the sufferers in these districts need relief. In the city of Kagoshima eighteen were killed; in the neighbouring districts eighty-seven were seriously injured and seventy-one slightly wounded: thirty-five houses were totally demolished and many were partially destroyed. The prominent buildings sustained no damage. About half the refugees are returning, and order is gradually being restored. The schools will be reopened in a day or two.