MUNITION FACTORY EXPLOSION.

Taranaki Daily News, 24 January 1917, Page 5

MUNITION FACTORY EXPLOSION.

i A SEARCHING INQUIRY. NO CAUSE FOB ALARM Auatralian-N.Z. Cable Association. London, ,Tan. 22. lb'. Addison, at the Mansion House, "I'd a marching inquiry was being lnada ' luto the cause of the explosion, and any suggestions to prevent a recurrence of / audi explosions would be fearlessly; adopted. ' I:c emphasised that there was no oci casion for alarm. Apart from the risk ol lue, to whicn most of toe explosion* had hitherto been due, sheila wera harmless. " < He stated that he required 4000 addi< tional women as munition workers monthly. - ■ ————« "■ AN AWE-INSPIRING SIGHT,! ""Mr- • -V-H- . London?,. JilU 22^ The force of the explosion caused * great gasometer on the opposite side ofl thi. river, the largest in Europe, to cant siQcways and then split open. Million* jf cubic feet of gas shot up and appar< ently were ign'tcd high in the air by tne flaming particles from the chemical iaetory. It produced an awe-inepiriiig tucctacle. THE TRAGEDY, ACCIDENTAL RELIEF MEASURES1000 HOMELESS COMPENSATION PROMISED, Received Jan. 23, 6.15 p.m. . London, Jan, 22. Tlio insurance companies assert that the companies are not liable for dantag* duo to the munition factory explosion) though some may make compasaionjMs allowances. No doubt is felt as to the f raged Jl being purely accidental, Inifc there art wild rumors current, one being thftt thf killed and wounded total thousands, j The, search in the ruins is being oori« tinned. The belief in official circles it thaji the death roll will not exceed 100; the seriously injured about ISO, and the lesser injuries 500. There have been many cases of looting in the ruins. Pathetic scenes occurred at the im quest. The Coroner announced that he was not attempting a full investigatiotti The evidence disclosed several extra* ordinary tragic escapes. The iocal Mayor stated that there Mra a thousand persons homeless. The Gov» eminent is prepared to do something tqj relieve the. distress. Counsel on behalf of the Minister qI .Munitions announced that all proper claims in respect of injury and daiQMfO to property would be considered. "Ri» Munitions Company also promised, to generously deal with compensation claims. The inquest was'adjourned (tor a fortnight. I Reports indicate that the exglosjog was heard for !)li miles. THE BROKEN GLASS BILL,. Received Jan. 23, 0.45 p.ou London, Jan. 22, It is estimated that the explosion broke .1 lttoo worth of glass in RELIEF FUND STARTED* HOYAL CONTRIBUTIONS, * . Received Jan. 23, 8.20 p.m. London, Jan. 2at The King has contributed £250, and the Queen- and Queen Alexandra £ 104 each, for the relief of those wh» suf< fered in the explosion. • "*