VOLCANIC ERUPTION

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 80, Issue 127, 31 May 1937, Page 7

VOLCANIC ERUPTION

Disturbances in New Guinea EXCITEMENT AT RABAUL Tremendous Explosion in Harbour WATER DROPS 8 FEET (By Telegraph—Press Associat on— Received May 30, 6.30 pan. SYDNEY, May 30. A big' volcanic eruption, probably submarine, 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 iu the harbour, from which mud and stones had been hurled high int« the air. The Mast was followed by a great movement of the water, which receded 200 yards from the shore. I ocal 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 pm. 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 is undergoing a startling change. The water level dropped eight feet, and in ten minutes returned without, however, the expected tidal wave. The extent of property damage is not known. There have been no reports of loss of life.”