Country Changed.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 19, 22 January 1914, Page 5

Country Changed.

THE AMBRYM ERUPTION. FURTHER DISTURBANCES. [By Electric Telegraph—Copyright] [United Press Association.] Sydney, January 21. Doctor Bowie lias arrived from Ambrym. He reports further volcanic disturbances. The island, lie says, is ;i seething mass of lava. The whole face of the country lias changed. Where, the mission hospital stood there is now deep water ranging from 13 fathoms to no soundings. Where there was a stretch of sea previously for two miles hilly country has appeared. The latest outbreak occurred on the south-east corner. Fears are

entertained for the safety of the islands of Paama and Lofevis.

HEMMED IN BY LAVA.

SCALDED IN THE. SEA.

(Received 9.5 a.m.) Sydney, January 22

Dr. Bowie states that there was a second volcanic outbreak at Ambrym on New Year's Day. Most of the natives escaped, but 100 in the village of Fanbang had their retreat cut off by lava streams. When Dr. Bowie left their fate was unknown. He states that in the firsfotrehfeak about 110 natives perished. Some were overtaken by fiery lava and others were drowned in the sea. Many were scalded to death by the boiling waters of the bay in trying to escape. It is estimated that it will cost at least £IO,OOO to rebuild the mission hospital, but as there are now ten active volcanoes on Ambrym, probably the new hospital will be erected at Malekula or Mala.

RECRUITING THE NATIVES.

FRENCH METHODS CRITICISED.

Svdnev. January 22

The Daily Telegraph states: "We understand that Dr Bourne has come to Sydney to lay before the Prebyterinn Mission Board the details of certain proceedings during the first Ambryn outbreak. Statements are published from the missionaries' sources that a French ( recruiting ship went to the island during the progress of the eruption, when the natives were terror stricken, and secured a number of recruits, who were taken to various plantations, where they are now working against their will. Another ■statement is that a number of natives were driven on to a narrow neck of land, and a guard was mounted Mid a threat made that any endeavouring to escape would be immediately shot. Subsequently, they were, placed aboard the recruiting ship and detained by force. The French version is that the captain of the recruiting vessel was actuated solely by instincts of humanity in rescuing the perishing, and that Dr. Bourne, by interference, hindered the French work of saving lives."