FIERY BREATH OF ETNA.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXV, Issue 18112, 12 November 1928, Page 9

FIERY BREATH OF ETNA.

Lava Spreads Destruction. FASCIST RECONSTRUCTION proposals. (United Press Association —By Elaotria Telegraph—Copyright.) (Received November 11, 5.5 p.m.) ROME, November 9. The main lava stream which is responsible for widespread havoc, appears to bo slowing down. A new eruptive crater has opened m the neighbourhood of Magazzeni and is emitting abundant liquid lava, with considerable initial speed. Experts hesitate to forecast the new strength. Confidence has been infused in the victims of the catastrophe by the announcement that the work of reconstruction at Mascali will commence forthwith at the expense of the Fascist Government. Signor Mussolini has ordered that the moment the flow ceases, a start is to be made building 3000 houses as a nucleus of a new Mascali, thereby avoiding a repetition of the housing of the Messina victims in huts twenty-one years ago, many of which are still in existence. The damaged water supplies will bo repaired. Thus far, the loss of land is over 2000 acres, valued at more than £250,000. Santa Venera, situated in one of the most fertile valleys has now been destroyed, and a tower of 65ft. high, the only thing ■ visible, is swaying dangerously. Two nuns are isolated on the rocks and rescue is impossible. The whole population knelt within sight of them, fervently praying throughout the last agony, the nuns joining in until they disappeared beneath the molten mass. Two branches of lava are surrounding the town of Carabba, the centre of a prosperous agricultural and industrial district. The one hope of salvation is that the lava will reach the sea and thus exhaust its destructiveness in a single channel. The Pope has forwarded £3OO for a relief fund, together with a telegram expressing grief at the disaster, and conveying his Apostolic benediction for the comfort of the unfortunate.