THE ITALIAN EARTHQUAKE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXI, Issue 447, 7 January 1909, Page 2

THE ITALIAN EARTHQUAKE.

Rome, January 4,

Doresa, one of those who escaped from the Hotel Trinaeria at Messina, describes many daring rescues amid the earthquake and flames by the steamer Afouwen’s second mate (Read) and an able seaman named Smith. The Afonweu’s captain (Owens) whilst distributing food ashore entrusted Doresa with a boat, which was the only means of retreat. Soon five soldiers attempted to seize the boat in order to escape to the mainland. Doresea producing a revolver, put them to flight. Other rescuers had similar experiences at the outset of the panic. A violent shock was experienced at Stromboli early to-day, lasting three seconds, and accompanied by an eruption of the volcano and terrifying subterranean rumblings. Much damage resulted.

A severe shock was also felt at Caltagirone, in Sicily, where there are 30,000 inhabitants. Several were killed. The shocks continue at Messina and Melito, and intense panic prevails.

No assistance has yet reached the interior of Calabria and Sicily, though 24 towns are destroyed there. The relief is almost entirely concentrated at Messina, and Reggio, where ...many, injured, .are '■Occam in prisons.

All llie municipal doctors ot Italy and all the young doctors iu Rome have volunteered for service iu the earthquake zone. The noblest competition is shown everywhere.

The famished people are eating the raw flesh of donkeys and horses, which the troops distribute. Signor Sautoliquido, DirectorGeneral of Hygiene iu Italy, thinks there is little fear of epidemics. Enormous quantities of disinfectants are being forwarded to Messina, including hundreds of tons of quicklime and chloride of lime. Australian Relief. Sydney, January 5. The first ,£IOO has been cabled to the Eord Mayor of London for the Italian earthquake fund.