THE JAMAICA EARTHQUAKE.

Waikato Independent, Volume V, Issue 327, 22 January 1907, Page 5

THE JAMAICA EARTHQUAKE.

FURTHER DETAILS

[BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH —COPYRIGHT.]

(PER PRESS ASSOCIATION) Kingston, January 19. In one establishment in Kingston, a cigar factory, no fewer than 120 persons were killed by its collapse. In a school 90 children were killed. Shocks experienced at Kingston on Monday came from the westward. Up to Thursday, forty-five distinct shocks had been felt. The number of dead is estimated at 700. The Cuban Consul was killed. Not a dozen houses in Kingston are uninjured. The country in parts is slightly affected. Tidal waves in Aunota Bay swept the small vessels inland, increasing the subsidence of the shores of Kingston and Port Royal, and causing alarm. Sir James Fergusson's watch and purse are the only means of identification.

January 21

The conduct of the populace at Kingston on the whole is admirable. The few attempts at looting have been confined to the rum shops and provision stores.

LONDON, January 18. The remains of Sir James Fergusson have been recovered. Major Hardiman and Lieutenant Lamont, officers of the garrison at Kingston, were killed by the earthquake.

THE AMERICAN RELIEVING PARTY. (Keceived January 21. 9.55 p.m.) Kingston, January 21.

On Admiral Davies' arrival, Governor Swettenham requested the American warships not to lire a salute lest the inhabitants should be further alarmed. He also intimated that assistance was not required. The salute, however, was fired, and the bluejackets landed. They patrolled and assisted in nmoving debris and maintaining order.

Admiral Davies, in a letter, informed the Governor that the salute was fired owing to a mistake in the transmission of orders. He thought that the quiet work done by the bluejackets that day showed that it was possible to do a-great deal to supplement the authorities' efforts, without in any way interfering with them. He therefore proposed, in the interests of common humanity, to land working parties the next day, unless Governor Swettenna'm objected. He added he had landed a patrol of six men to protect the archives of the Consulate Ten of his men cleared the wreckage at the Consulate and then assisted the working party in catching thieves and recovering the safe stolen from a jewellery store. This' showed that police surveillance was inadequate for the protection of property.

Governor Swettenham replied to Admiral Davies on Friday, thanking him for all assistance and offers, but felt it his duty to ask for the reembarkation of the working party and all parties which his kindness prompted him to land. RELIEF FOE THE SUFFEEEES. -LUNUON, January 19. Funds for the relief of the Kingston sufferers have been opened at Glasgow, Liverpool, Birmingham, and other cities. Ottawa, January 19. The Canadian Parliament has voted £IO,OOO, which will be immediately available. A further contribution of a like amount will be voted if needed. (Received January ,22, 7.47 a.m.) NEW Yoke, January 21. The collection of supplies for the relief of Kingston has abruptly terminated. (PER PRKSS ASSOCIATION). CmusTCHURcn, Yesterday. At a farewell dinner tendered to him by the business people of Christchurch on Saturday evening, the Premier (Sir Joseph Ward) referred to the disastrous earthquake in Jamaica, announced that he had asked the Governor to cable to the Secretary of State for the Colonies that New Zealand desired to send £IOOO as a first contribution to assist the unfortunate people of Kingston.