New Britain herald., 1930-07-24

was seen glowing across the bay and many believed that an eruption would follow
 Worst Since 1908
 Not since the earthquake which wiped out Messina in 1908 has Italy seen such widespread destruction.
 In some instances entire villages were almost obIiterated, TTanova lost more than 350 persons, includ- ing the mayor and all of his family. Another town which suffered greatly was Melf, with the dead estimated at l51 and hundreds Of injured and the place itself a mass of debris,
 Many families, caught peacefully asleep when the earth quivered, were killed in their heds as the houses tumtled about them,
 Miles and miles of highways were Mlocked by tons Of dirt hurled down mountainsides: railroads were halted and lines of communication were torn down. Lack of communication made computation of the death toll more difficult than anything else.
 Territory in Panic
 The stricken country was terroriz- d after the quakes began, AS house after house toppled and the cries of victims were heard those who es- capped injury fed frantically to the streets Their fright was increased by a terrific thunderstorm all over the region, and since electric lights had heon cut of in most places they r0amed in the beWildering darkness, . Those who calmed sufficiently to sleep lay wherever they could on what they could for the remainder Of the early hours. but many obtain cd bedding from their homes for last night. Public parks in the large cities were made available for the use of the homeless.
 In addition 10 the frightful loss caused by the tremors in buildings already wrecked, more hardship in the form of ployment was fore cast by the action Of the authorities in Naples Many factories and offices were closed by official action, the government considering it would not be safe 10 permit work in the weak ened structures.
 Meanwhile, money for the relief O. sufferers poured in from all parts Of the kingdom.
 Fear to Enter Homes
 All night thousands of persons slept ttfuly in public squares anc gardens, fearful 10 enter their houses or any buildings and awakened with starts by every new gust of wind.
 Expenses for the funerals of the earthquake victims here today were paid by the municipality There were to be solemn ceremonies, attended by civil, military, naval and ec clesastical dignitaries and the cit! band playing hymns.
 Argentine midshipmen from tn school ship sarmiento, which reach ed here yesterday, planned to atten' in a body.
 Precautions were taken agains ! disease today, anti-tetanus serum vas requisitioned from all Neapoli tan hospitals and drug stores 6 ward off q possible epidemic.
 Fifty families whose homes wer' destroyed were given temporar. lodging in the governments nev popular priced houses for workmen
 Meanwhile relief trains, bearin medical supplies, food and clothin continued to roll from the north to ward the stricken area.
 Pellegrini hospital here prepare, an emergency ward of 100 beds fo casualties from the provinces whil two other hospitals, Pace and In curabili, organized special sanitar squadrons which will leave todd for the rural sections.
 Militia Uses Trucks
 The fascist militia yesterday an today converted trucks into ambL 5 Iances and columns Of them contir , ued to leave hourly. A great nun , Der is required because hospit;