VOLCANIC ACTIVITY.

Dominion, Volume 2, Issue 452, 10 March 1909, Page 7

VOLCANIC ACTIVITY.

-— : 4 NGAURUHOE IN ERUPTION. ASHES FALLING AND CLOUDS OF SMOKE. (BT TELEGRAPH—SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT.) Rarigataua, March 9. Ngaurahoo is '.n active eruption, large clouds of smoke being emitted. Dust is falling along the railway line from Waiouru to Waimarino, ' 1 and there is a strong sulphurous smell. Samples of the dust are being sent to tho Government Analyst. ■ Waimarino reports, that • was "roaring" for three hours last night, and residents within earshot had a lively time. Tokaanu and Taupo report: "Tongariro' in eruption. Cannot see for smoke." Tho Waimarino reports are probably correct, as the mountains are visible from that place, and the whole sky east of Rangataua is black. Ashes ■ are. falling at Turangarere, with smoke and thcro is just enough dust on the ground to show a gray colour. There are strong sulphur fumes. Ngaurutioo has been almost silent Jor tho past twelve _ months, and tho present activity is a sign of safety, as Ngauruhoo in eruption acts as a vent for seismic disturbances in the locality. Ngauruhoo has been in eruption since 5 p.m. on Sunday. Telegrams received yesterday by the Secretary of tho General Post Office, Wellington, aro as follow:— ' From the Postmaster, Ohakune: "Ngauruhoe eruption started '5 p.m. yesterday with a rumbling noiso lasting three or four hours. Smoke and steam at present rising, two to three thousand feet; obscuring Ruapehu. Some new geysers appear to have broken out at foot of Ruapehu on AVaimarino side. Ohakuno was snrinkled with dust from mountain this morning." From tho Postmaster, Tokaanu:— I "Ngauruhoe burst eight o'clock this morning. Throwing forth thick volumes • sand and steam. Has been continually in eruption ever since with light reports. No earthquakes. Will wire you later developments." "Further details. Lava running- down Ngauruhoe." From Waiouru: "Ngauruhoe became very active early this morning. Loud reports were heard about 2 a.m., and the sky has been very overcast, with dust and sulphurous ashes all day, and at present shows no sign of abating. It is understood the coach from Tokaanu was unablo to leave thera fir Waiouru." . From Karioi: . "Not sure whether Ngauruhoo or Tongariro, but I think it is Ngauruhoo that is active. Early this morning Karioi had a slight coating of a light slatish-eoloured ash. No one hearcl any icport. Largo volumes of smoke are going up and travelling due cast towards Kaimana. There is no alarm, and no danger is expected." From Aniti: ' "Yolcamc dust has been falling here sinco 2.30 p.m. to-day. Reports to hand say Ngauruhoe is in eruption."