Rensselaer Republican, Volume 27, Number 17, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 20 December 1894 — VOLCANOES AND EARTHQUAKES. [ARTICLE]

VOLCANOES AND EARTHQUAKES.

The Vew Hebrides I'lands Are Having An Awful Experience. A Victoria, B. C„ special, Dec, 14. says: The Australian steamer Warlmoo, which' has arrived, brings startling news that a majority of the Islands of the New Hebrides group are passing through a baptism of fire, earthquakes and volcanic disturbances, threatening the very existence of' several of the largest and best islands, including Ambrym, celebrated for the excellence of its coffee. On the latter an entire village of natives was recently carried into the sea, the loss of life being estimated at sixty to seventy-five men, women and children, while in others of the group fatalities are also reported. A layer of ashes from two to six inches deep covers the once fertile fields. The volcanic eruptions and earthquakes have been of frequent occurrence since Nov. 3. Tradersand planters living on Ambrym island have fled precipitately to Port Sandwich (Mallcollo), the nearest port, in many cases abandoning all their possessions.