Continuing Dust

Future Of Rabaul

Nuisance

From Our Own Correspondent

Rabaul, July 21.

IT is exactly 45 days now that the Matupi crater, or Tavurvur, has been erupting almost continuously.

Unfortunately for the township of Rabaul, the wind has been in the S.S.E. and S.E., which drives all the dust-clouds over the suburbs of Namanula, at the eastern portion of the town.

The result has been depressing for the residents, for at any time of the day or night a dust-cloud will rise out of the depths of Matupi and be scattered over the town in the tiniest of particles, rest ing on everything, affecting the water supply, covering the furniture, food and clothing, and denuding a great number of the shade-trees along the Rabaul avenues, killing the flowers and ferns, and de-leafing a large number of the

fown hedges around homes in the With this incessant dust-storm there is a high south-east wind, and the atmo sphere has lost its usual tropical humid ity. Meteorological registers show that humidity has dropped extensively, and me minimum temperatures have reached record readings.

At first, the residents were somewhat a ?P r^ en - s * ve of possible major eruptions, which might repeat the 1937 conditions; but now—having become inured to the constancy of the eruptions—there is little else felt by the residents than dis comfort, and a continual complaining of the existing conditions, which (it must be admitted) affect the general temper of the people. Mothers with children have —to a great extent—temporarily left the town, or, when it was financially possible, departed for Australia. Though it must be remarked that returning ships from Australia carry their full quota of re turning women. ( In some quarters one hears the remark: “This will finish Rabaul now as the capital.”

If conditions continue for any lengthy period as they are at present, it is pos sible that the matter will be revived. No one can say how long the eruption will continue; or whether it will develop into anything bigger. It may continue for many months, and Rabaul find relief only when the north-west season comes and the dust-clouds are blown into the sea. Or it may cease, and not occur for another 60 years or so.

Even if it is decided to remove the capital, it is quite sure that nothing much can be done until after the war.

The cost was estimated in 1937 at about £300,000.