Volcanic Eruptions

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVI, Issue 175, 23 January 1914, Page 5

Volcanic Eruptions

J THE JAPANESE DISASTER. \ THE CASUALTIES. v , Dy Cable—Press" A«3ociatioii—Copyright Sydney, January 21. .'.I he Japanese Consul-General has rceefyC'! an ollicial cable from Tokio stating iiiat although the crater of Sakurashima is likely to continue active for •some time, no danger is now ;ii)ticipated. An examination of the district showed that Ml! houses in nine villages out of eighteen on the island wen- lotallv burnt down., A large number of domestic animals were killed and injured, but the casualties Hiiimig tlic irv J habitants seem less than was expected. Other districts, such as Kimotsuki anil Kora, also suH'ered damage from the great amount of pumice stone and ashes which fell. Besides 20,000 inhabitants at Saknrashima, the sullerers in thc:e districts need relief. In the city of Kagosliima IS were killid, and in the neighboring districts S7 were injured and 71 slightly wounded. Thirty-live houses were totally demolished and many partially, but prominent building's sustained no damage. .About half tho refugees are returning, and order is gradually being restored. The schools will be re-openeif in a day or two. ( THE AMBRYXt OUTBURST. CHEAT LOSS OE LIFE. Sydney, January 22. Dr. Bowie says that on the occasion of the second volcanic outbreak on Anibrym on New Year's Day most ot the natives escaped, but It)!) "in the village of Fanbang had their retreat cue oil' by lava streams. When Dr. Bowie left their fate was unknown. He states > that in the first outbreak about 110 na- 1 tives iiome were overtaken by fiery lava and others were drowned at sea. .Many were scalded to dfetli ' in the boiling waters of the bay when i trying to escape. , . It is estimated tbatit would cost at least £ 10,0110 to rebuild the mission hospital, but as there are now ten active volcanoes on Anbrvm probablv a new ' hospital will be erected on Miil'ckulu or -Mala.

THE FIRST OI'TUREAK. SERIOUS CHARGES REPORTED. Sydney, January 22. The Daily Telegraph states that it understands Dr. Bowie lias come to Sydney to lay before the Presbyterian .Mission Board details of- eeitain pro ceedings during- the lirst Ambrym outbreak. Statem.'iits have been published from missionary sources that a French recruiting ship went to the island during the progress of the eruption and when the natives were terror-stricken, and secured a number of recruits, who were taken to various plantations, where I hey are now working against their will. Another statement is that a number of natives wei ? driven on to a narrow neck of land and a guard mounted over them, and that a threat was made that I any endeavoring to escape would be immediately shot. Subsequently they were placed on board a recruiting ship and detained there by force, i Ihe I 1 reiich version is that the captain of the recruiting- vessel was actuated solely by instincts of hnmnn- | ity in rescuing the perishing and that !Dr. Bowie, by his interference, hindered the French work of saving lives.