ARSENAL BLOWN UP.

Hokitika Guardian, 30 May 1924, Page 2

ARSENAL BLOWN UP.

I•_’.(!(IQ SHELLS EXPLODE

idol II A 1,1 AN A Nil N Z. CAULK ASSOCIATION

IH’CHAREST. May 29.

The city was reduced to a state of panic*, following on the* explosion of twelve thousand shells in the arsenal, rloso to the Royal Castle*, the windows of which were shattered, and valuables were smashed. King Ferdinand had a narrow escape from death, as a result of a falling shell. Princess Ileana is safe. A lire followed in the military depot.. Several were killed. A tire also broke out in a girls' school. The fat** of the* girls is not known at flu* present time. The arsenal war; (lost roved.

LONDON. -May £9

The ‘‘Daily Express" says the arsenal was a qtinitor of a mile from tlr:* Ihe Royal Castle*. Tile explosion shook ever*,- building for miles around. Iho shells were hurled into the air and into the neighbouring buildings. King Ferdinand who was walking with the War .Minister, rushed to lln* spot and insisted cm npi couching so closely that General Madaresco had to pull him hack. Almost immedialvl v a .shell dropped blowing great bole. Princess Ilciina was in the castle. Site and the servants wore shaken, but unhurt . The shells had only recently arrived from flic* Skoda Works and ex--1 lodod in quick succession, denleuiug ami terrifying the population, who believed the* city was being bombarded. Excry window in the priiicipil sired was smashed. Several workmen are believed to have been trapped aml burnt to death in the Military Depot nearby. A lire broke out in a girls’ reliocd. The girls rushed screaming into the street. The Senate and Chamber were sitting hut rdjnuiT.cd. as it was /'eared the domes of Parliament House would crash at any moment. The arsenal and plant was destroyed including one hunched thousand railway waggons. Queen Marie, who i- -till in London. \\ iuio,--ed Mr Bernard Shaw’s ‘ Saint • loan" at the New Theatre, where she vas informed of the explosion. On l--.-in.iX cold tic.-is* were no deaths at tin* castle, she exclaimed: "Thank God, for t hat !"