JAPANESE DISASTER.

Waikato Times, Volume 98, Issue 15341, 15 September 1923, Page 5

JAPANESE DISASTER.

A QUIET NIGHTi

FIRST FOR A FORTNIGHT.

APPALLING SITUATION.

Australian and N.Z. Cable Assn. NEW YORK, Sept. 13. A message from Tokio states that for the first time since September 1 the city passed a night free from earthquake shocks. Over 1000 were felt during the week, some being severe enough to arouse fear of fresh destruction. The weather remains fine, enabling expedition to be shown in the provision of temporary shelters. The situation at Yokohama is appalling. Thousands of people are camped in the parks, with scanty supplies of food and water.

Three days were needed to cremate the bodies taken from the Sumida River, which traverses Tokio, and hundreds of bodies are still floating in the adjacent rivers and bays. The relief steamer Shinminabo has sailed from Shanghai with Chinese, American and British physicians and nurses.

Refugees on reaching Osaka related a tale of heroism displayed by Mr T. M. Laffin and his son, of Yokohama; while the disaster was at its height. With death lurking in every street, lane and pathway, Mr Laffin obtained a launch and worked tirelessly, transporting 100 from the flaming waterfront through a fiery sea to safety on to the ships.