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In Mascali at the time of its destruction was Signor Giovanni Giurati, Minister of Public Works. His valises packed, he was quite prepared to leave the no longer pleasant island of Sicily. But a telegram from Il Duce informed him that he must direct the work of salvage. Efficiently Signor Giurati assumed the role of St. George, valiantly and often vainly fought the dragon with dynamite.
From the Pope and Il Duce came funds for relief. Mussolini announced that all restoration would be at the expense of the Government.
Over Etna flew airplanes. Observers reported 100 new craters. The Volcano Institute of Italy pronounced the eruption the worst since 1669.