STRICKEN RABAUL

Taranaki Central Press, Volume IV, Issue 449, 3 June 1937, Page 5

STRICKEN RABAUL

CITY OF THE DEAD Huge Volcano Formed Press Association—Copyright. (Received 10 a.m.) Rabaul, June 2. Rabaul as the result of the eruption presents the appearance of a blighted township, says a special correspondent of the Australian Associated Press at Rabaul. Trees Slave .been stripped of foliage and houses, which are smothered with dust and ashes, are deserted. The majority of the streets.aro impassably Only one woman, Mrs Bignell, of the Rabaul Hotel, who refused to desert her post, remains. She is busily employed feeding the few remaining men engaged in , the transportation of food supplies from stores at Nordup Beach, where they are shipped to European, Asiatic and native refugeesl at Kokoo. The organisation is excellent, and there is no shortage of food at present. The Administrator advises European women and children to proceed to Australia as quickly as possible.

A newly-formed volcano in the vicinity of Vulcan Island is now 610 feet high and a mile and a half wide. It is emitting huge volumes of steam and ashes all day. A second eruption near Matpul is diminishing. It provided a wonderful spectacle at night. Several plantations on the north coast were severely damaged. It is suggested the cause of th e outbreak is the recent inactivity of a volcano situated in the Talasea district. It has long been recognised- as Rabaul’s safety vialve. European and native police are constantly patrolling and safeguarding property in Rabaul. Although the official messages emphasise that here has been no loss of life among the white population in Rabaul it is now believed that some natives were overwhelmed at the first eruption of .the Vulcan Island volcano. SITUATION NOW EASIER HARBOUR OPENING NOT BLOCKED A Rabaul message says it has now been found that the harbour opening is not completely blocked. The small motor vessel Desikoko forced its way fnim the harbour through floating pudnee. The Administrator, Mr McNicoll, reported to Canberra that the situation at Rabaul was now much easier.