ETNA ERUPTION

Waikato Independent, Volume XXIII, Issue 3074, 23 June 1923, Page 5

ETNA ERUPTION

FURTHER DISASTERS SUCCOURING THE REFUGEES (By Cable—Press Association) (Received 1.1 a.m.) ROME, June 2.1. Hopes that Etna's eruptions were dy-* ing down were disappointed last, night, when the volcano resumed its former fury and belched up cinders in enormous quantities. Great volumes of lava poured down the slopes, and it is still impossible to forecast whether Lingualosa and Castiglione will escape. The former is being gradually surrounded by the lava stream. Engineers are working desperately digging trenches in the threatened regions in order to divert the lava flow.

The King joined the terrified refugees, assuring them that ovary effort waff being made to house and feed them. He visited the stricken regions and went elose to the flowing lava, encouraging the engineers. The American Ambassador has arrived at Catania to assist in the work of succour, and Signor Mussolini and other 1 Ministers are expected to-day. -Suß* script-ions.- for the homeless -have. t>eeh opened all over the country, and are meeting with generous response. A hundred thousand refugees ■ have reached Catania, aome in carts, others on donkeys, but most afoot. Travellers and tourists are barred from..the'congested areas. Most of the refugees- are stunned, with the loss of all their. possessions. Continuance of earth shocks and rumblings adds to their dismay. The task of the airmen who are watering the lava flow is seriously hampered by noxious gases, which prevent low flying.

LINGUANLOSSA'S PATE ECONOMICALLY DESTROYED POPULATION MUST EMIGRATE ROME, June 22. Even if Linguanlossa is spared its economic destruction is accomplished as the lava stream over the vineyards and orchards has permanently sterilised them. The population will be forced to emigrate.