THE EARTHQUAKE.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2397, 12 January 1909, Page 5

THE EARTHQUAKE.

PROVISION FOR ORPHANS.

STRAITS OI'V MESSINA SAFE FOR

STEAMERS

United Press Association. Copyright

ROME, Jan. 10

There are 11,500 troojis at Messina and 7000 at Reggio, where public moneys and documents are being re-'ssv-ered from the ruins. It is probable that Italy ivill call all poor .orphans of tlie earthquake “Children of the Nation,” and that they will be provided for until they come'of age.

BERLIN, Jan. 10

It is officially stated in Berlin that the Straits of Messina are again safe for the Norddeutsclior Lloyd’s steamers, which lately were ordered to steam west of Sicily.

DANGER OF AN EPIDEMIC

FORTY THOUSAND DEAD STILL IN THE RUINS. (Received Jan. 11, 9.56 p.m.) ‘ ROME, Jan. 11. General Atazza, General Commissary at Messina, admits that the rescue work at first suffered from confusion. among the soldiers. • He adds that the sailors deserved the greatest praise.

The severest task confronting the authorities now is to prevent an epidemic from the putrefaction of the 40,000 corpse's still to come from the ruins. ■ ." Six more persons have been rescued v at Messina. . A butcher was extricated comparatively well, though he had been foodless for 14 days and compelled to see his wife and children die in : slow agony without help. The troops have recovered valuables worth £200,000.

DEBATE IN ITALIAN PARLIA MENT. ACCUSATIONS . OF INCOMPETENCE. (Received Jan. 11, 9.56 p.m.) ROME, Jan. 11. Signor Felice, dejruty for Catania, declared in the Italian Chamber that if the assistance sent had been placed under more intelligent direction than that of the military, it would have been possible to save another 2000 victims. A Sicilian deputy confirmed this statement. The Premier, Signor Giolitti,. Topped that martial law had been applied at the Prefect’s request in order to prevent pillaging on a large scale.

(Received Jan. 12, 1.15 a.m.)

ROME, Jan. 11

Signor Giolitti proposes to apply all unclaimed property in the earthquake zone to the creation of a fund for the needy, especially orphans.

A GISBORNE RELIEF FUND. LIST OPENED BY TFTe MAYOR. His "Worship the Mayor, Mr. W. D. Lysnar, has opened a subscription list in aid of the Italian earthquake relief fund. Any person desiring to contribute may forward donations to tho Borough Council Chambers or to the* office of this paper.