EXCITEMENT IN THE COUNTRY.

Auckland Star, Volume XVII, Issue 135, 11 June 1886, Page 3

EXCITEMENT IN THE COUNTRY.

oxi'Oßi>, This Day. Journeying along with Mr Rich, of the Patotcre Company, by special train to Uxford we were surprised to hnd that the nearer Rotorua we approached the less excitement was shown. We learned that up to sunset there had been little or no uneasiness felt regarding Kotorua. Guard .Such and driver Cook of the Oxford train had not yet heard of any loss of life, and the feelings of. readouts was not.at all ono ° The temporary relief we felt was rudely dispelled at Oxford last night, when a coach load of toutiste returned, and described the dreadful scones of the early morning. FOKEWABNINGS OF DISASTER. The volcanic eruption is said to have been preceded a week ago by a .^J" Lake Taiwera, ancl the Mao.ies wore afraid to go up with their canoes. Aoothet native? were standing on the border ot the

Lake when a large war canoe is said to have appeared gliding along on the placid water, tho Maories standing upright using their paddles. A native women who was with the tourists called to those in the canoe, but it suddenly disappered from view, and was regarded by them as being a phantom canoe, tin omen of the evil which has befallen then- tribe. They ftre satisfied it w tis an npparation, as they nave no war canoe. Tourifts regard it in the same light as the phantom coach in London.