GHASTLY DEATH ROLL FEARED.

Taihape Daily Times, 8 December 1917, Page 5

GHASTLY DEATH ROLL FEARED.

SNOWSTORM FOLLOWS THE FIRE. Received 9.20. OTTAWA, Dec 7. According to Halifax reports the death roll continues to grow, some estimates placing the number at 5000, but this is believed to be an exaggeration. It is impossible to secure accurate details. 1 A snowstorm .followed the fire, and the homeless people are suffering greatly.

Bluejackets from ah American warship patrolled the city in conjunction with British forces. People, when the first shock came, thought an aerial bombardment was in progress. A Canadian steamer was torn from her moorings and sent adrift. GOVERNMENT JUDICIAL ENQUIRY Received 10.50, OTTAWA, Dec 7. The Government has decided to appoint a judicial tribunal to investigate the Halifax disaster. Boston City is furnishing a hospital train for the relief of the Halifax sufferers. CAUSE OF COLLISION. CONFUSION OF SIGNALS. A TERRIBLE DEATH ROLL. Received 11.45. ; • OTTAWA, Dec 7. Details of the Plalifax disaster state that a Belgian relief steamer collided with a French steamer loaded with 3000 tons of munitions, petrol and trinitro-soluol, owing to confused signals_ Fire swept over the ship, 'causing an explosion. " Scores of people, including children, were crushed to death by falling buildings, and flames swept over the ruins. Two square miles of the city were devastated. The police estimate there are 2000 dead; other estimates are smaller. Special Red Cross trains left New York and other cities. The war has made Halifax one of the most important ports in America, the harbour being always filled with shipping.