A NEW VOLCANO ACTIVE

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Issue 116, 2 June 1937, Page 7

A NEW VOLCANO ACTIVE

-Fress Aein.

Rabaul Covered with Mud and Dust HARBOUR CLOSED

By Telegrapli—

— Copyriuht.)

(Keceived 2, 8.45 a.m.) CANBERBA, June 1. The AdministratOr of New Guinea, General W. B. McNicholl, reported tonight that a third volcano had broken out near Vulcan Island. All three are erupting vigorously. There as no danger to Kokopo which is belioved to be outside the danger ?»ne. Babaul is covered with inches of pumice and dust which is gradually turning ;nto concrete. No casualties are reported, The work of clearing the Streets is proceBding under difficulty. Heavy deposits of pumice and mud brought down the electric transiuissxon line and the radio station is working on an emergency plant. Vulcan Island, whieh originallv had a low altitude, is now assuming mountainous proportione and as still displaying great activity. Babaul harbo:ur is entirely closed to shipping owing to the big barrier of mad. Two of Carpenter and Company'i island steamers were overwhelmed by mud and sank in the harbour. The Montoro's cargo for Salamaua has been commandeered for the Kokopo refugec3 who will thus be provisioncd until tho Malaita arrives. The only people remaining at Babaul are a few Government officials, wireless operators and some native police. General W. R. McNicholl, in a wireless message to-day, said: "The populace of Kokopo are cheerful despite the hardships. They .real'ise that Babaul will be uninhabitable for somo weeks- ' '