MT. ETNA ERUPTION

Hokitika Guardian, 23 June 1923, Page 3

MT. ETNA ERUPTION

AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION. NO FOREIGN AID. ROME, Juno 21. A communique states the Italian Government, while thanking foreign countries for offers ‘if assistance in .succouring the Alt Etna victims, must decline the same, on the ground that the Italiau people aro fully capable of taking all necessary measures to alleviate the suffering. The only acceptable foreign offers would be from Italians abroad. A REMARKABLE SIGHT. LONDON. Jam* 21. The “Daily Telegraph’s” special correspondent says that when, lor the first time, since Sundnv. Alt Etna was (lean of clouds two-thirds of the mountain was a picture of peace and tranquility, 'the section appeared in striking contrast to the belt below, where numerous fissures had opened out, from which dense white steam and ominous black smoke were issuing. ■ Meanwhile hundreds of thousands ol people were mutely gazing at the black lava streams, which crept slowly into every little depression. Only a tew ol the actual inhabitants remained. Alost of them bad gone away sadly. The spectators comprised people I ruin distant villages and tourists, all .’.azine fixedly at the desolate scene. All fear lias now subsided m Lingiiaglossa. It is remarkable bow rapidly the inhabitants recover their silent composure, and no longer seem to hce<. the danger. ANOTHER EASINti-UP. ROME, June 21. The latest reports indicate that the eruption of Alt Etna, is now abating. The flow of the lava lias at several points been reduced to a crawl, although the craters are smoking and emitting cinders and dust. The residents are naturally sceptical, remembering bow last- night’s expectations were unfulfilled. The power house on the Arantara River, which supplies the whole of Sicily with electricity, has been saved by the stream of lava diverting its course. . , , . , Signor Mussolini arrived to-day, an I be set to work organising relict with characteristic energy. He summoned the local officials to a conference, and ascertained the immediate needs, and within a few hours had a scheme actually in operation to meet the immediate needs of the homeless. THE LAVA FLOW. /Received this day at 8.30 a.m.) RO.AIK, June 22.

Even if Lingunglossa is spared, its economic destruction is accomplished, as the lava stream over the vineyards and orchards lias permanently sterilise ! them and tlie population will he forced to emigrate.