SHARP ’QUAKE QUAKE DISASTER

Hokitika Guardian, 26 July 1930, Page 5

SHARP ’QUAKE

QUAKE DISASTER

There was a. very smart earthquake ■shock experienced last night at 8.42 o’clock. It was of short duration but gave a very decided jerk and caused considerable alarm. The main shock was followed by lighter tremors, one just before 10 o’clock, and one a couple of hours later, but these were of a minor juature.. The i.rst shock was accompanied by considerable noise. ’’ j ALARMS THE DISTRICT. By Telegraph—Per Press Association CREYMOUTH, .July 20. After a period of comparative immunity from earthquakes, Greymouth was shaken last evening at 8.40 o’clock by one of the sharpest earthquakes experienced since the' memorable one of June, 1929. With no preceding rumble, the shock came sharply, and houses swayed in an alarming manner for some few seconds. Slight tremors were felt after the major shocks, these being at 9.50 p.m., 11.50 p.m. and about midnight. Kulimra was alsq> visited by the ’quake.

WESTPORT ALARMED. WESTPORT, July 20. Preceded by a terrific boom, Westport experienced at 8.42 p.m, the biggest ’quake since last Christmas, bringing people iai their homes into the streets. As far as can be gathered, no damage of consequence occurred. KARAME'A SHAKEN UP. WELLINGTON, ..July 25. The Secretary of the Post and Telegraph Department, Mr G. McNamara, has received the following message from the Chief Postmaster at Wesitport: “A very sharp earthquake occurred here at 8.40 o’clock to-night lasting about one minute. “The shock was preeded by a loud rumble. “The intensity of the earthquake was six of the Rossi Farel Scale. “It was felt at Karamoa with the ■same intensity. No damage was reported anywhere.”

e A NATIONAL 'CATASTROPHE. 2 t 1 (United Press Association—By Electric f Telegraph.—Copyright ) ) July 1 85 . ‘■ r Jlie■ Times’s” Pome correspondent states that the earthquake lias assumed the proportions of a, Rational catastrophe, as fuller details have been received from eight terror-stricken provinces, which were transformed ■vithin a minute from one of the most productive regions in Italy to a scene of rnin, desolation and liomn. Miles of highways have been rendered impassable by huge fissures, or by masses of debris. The centre of the disaster is believed to be the supposed extinct volcano Monte Vultur, situated in the province of Avelline, which, province has suffered thus from 1392 dead and 2072 injured. The survivors declare that during the ’quake great flames lit up the summit of Monte Vultur, accompanied by subterranean rumblings.

PITIFUL SPECTACLES. ; HOME, July 24. Four hundred out of the two thousand, six hundred inhabitants at Villa' Nbva-Albanese are dead. The Mayor of the town and his family were all killed. A pitiful was presented in the town by lines of bodies laia out awaiting removal. One of the worst tragedies occurred at the local Orphanages, where elervii 'ittle children were killed. The Duchess of Aosta visited Villa-Nova-Albanese and condoled with the survivors. The Duchess placed an ivory cross on the breast of a- girl, still half buried and knelt in prayer. VOLCANOES ACTIVE. \ ROME, July 25. The volcano, Monte Pozzuola, which is the companion of Mount' Vesuvius, is active. 1 Mount Vesuvius is also erupting. This is causing fears of a further disaster.. .. • ‘ V ROME, July 25. The criminals at- the Salerno prison and elsewhere, when they were released after the earthquake, assisted the soldiers, and they forced thenway into the- \vrecked houses in order to rescue the imprisoned people, instead of attempting to escape. Curiously enough', the Italian Army Disciplinary Corps happened to bo stationed at Melfi. They are the socalled “bad boys of the Army.” They redeemed themselves with their tireless work, and they have had no sleep since midnight on Tuesday. Their Commander announces that lie will recommend the King to pardon them all. , , MTJSSOLLNTS DECISION. ROME, July 25. Signor Mussolini has refused to accept subscriptions for the relief of the earthquake victims. He says that the State will help. The relief work continues. It is on an amazing scale. The King of Italy will visit the stricken districts to-night. DEATH ROLL MOUNTS. ROME, July 25. The death roll is at present 2200. It is feared that it may reach three thousand. ' ROME, July 25. In Treviso and Venzia it is estimated that twenty were killed as the result of a cyclone which swept over the surrounding district for twentyfive miles. Many were injured and a number of houses collapsed. The magnitude of the disaster has been increased by the peculiar construction of the towns built on the hilltops. They were so situated to protect them train marauders in the old days. The houses consequently were so close together that the collapse of one entailed the collapse ol its neighbours. AEROPLANES DROP FOOD. ROME, July 25. The work of relief is being facilitated by aeroplanes, which are dying low over the devastated countryside and dropping parcels of food.