HERCULANEUM

Hokitika Guardian, 18 May 1927, Page 2

HERCULANEUM

TO BE EXCAVATED

[by TELFQRAPH —PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.I

ROME, May 16.

The colossal task of excavating the buried city of Herculaneum, 1848 years after its destruction, was officially started wtili all the scientific means at the Italian Government’s disposal. The Royal yacht conveyed the ministers and also distinguished British and American visitors to Porttici, while the King of Italy, with his suite, proceeded thither in a destroy-

The Director of Fine Arts, addressing the King, recalled the past efforts made to penetrate the secrets of the hidden town, and at the conclusion o his speech lie gave a signal to the waiting workmen, upon which curious engines, mechanical perforators and spades began to hum, and scores of men started removing the earth.

Nothing that Signor Mussolini lias done has pleased the Italian nation more than his decision to excavate Herculaneum.

To-day the entire population of Pcrtici is making holiday. The streets are strewn with flowers.

Professor Najuri, the Chief Director of Excavations, states that none can foresee the surprises there will he as to the character and extent of the population of Herculaneum. He says that Schokar’s references are mostly conjecture.

It is not known bow far tbe ancient city extended over tbe slopes of tbe volcano. It is, however, certain that it contained the important summer residences of wealthy Romans, as well as works of Art, mural paintings, sculptures and bronzes, while it is also likely that documents and the missing manuscripts of Roman writers may be discovered.

Herculaneum was first swept b\ blasts of hot fiery air, which smothered the inhabitants. The town was covered. five, or six days after the eruption. by layers of moving earth, mud and gravel, but hardly any lava lias been found. Hence it is not true to say that the town is buried under soliu lava.