STORM DISASTER

Hokitika Guardian, 16 April 1927, Page 3

STORM DISASTER

[Australian & N.Z. Cable Association, j MADRID. April 11. Violent gales have been reported from Melilla, and numbers of vessels have grounded or sunk, if being impossible to rescue the crews. The Greek steamer “Nicholas Pa terns” the crew of which are reported to have mutinied is aground in a dangerous position. The hospital shin Sast ilia is almost a complete wreck. Hundreds of fishing and other vessels have been lost with many lives. All traffic has been st nped in Melilla and (lie Inisiiiess (inns have closed. The town is in darkness. The damage is estimated at fifty million pesetas. A message received at Gibraltar said: “Cannot you ask the Navy's help to save the crow of the steamer Collingdale?” This was wirelessed bv a Norwegian vessel the Hal to, which is herself aground off Melilla. The Admi ra l-Suepr in tcndetit ales pa tched tho destroyer Viscotml to tow a Gibraltar lifeboat to the Collingdale. This proved iinnossible owing to the heavy seas and I lie Viscount proceeded alone. A seaplane succeeded in dropping a line to the Collindale’s crew, ve-'io, after difficulty were enabled to leave the ship. A tempest of equal severity lias raged at. other Mediterranean ports, and numbers of vessels have been, wreck-

Tliere was a cyclone at Malaga which destroyed many bouses. A peculiar reddish rain fell in torrents. Tbe customary Holy Week processions were abandoned. STORM AFTERMATH. (Received this day at 0.30 a.nO MADRID, April 10. A revolt in Soanisli Morocco is feared. ■ As the aftermath of the Mediterranean storm which swept the Spanish and North African coasts lor -18 hours, at least JO shins are stink and the damage is conservatively estimated at 20 million dollars, it is believed to bo the worst storm in the history of Northern Africa. The danger of revolt lies in the interruption of communications with the interior military posts which are garrisoned by natives under Spanish officers. The knowledge that aid could be called without delay has kept the natives from turning upon the few officers, but al present no reinforcements could be summoned within several days. The Spanish Government has ordered all available aeroplanes to be used and ten thousand troops prepared to sail if noeessary.