VOLCANIC ACTIVITY.

Dominion, Volume 2, Issue 456, 15 March 1909, Page 6

VOLCANIC ACTIVITY.

ASCENT OF NGAURUHOE. (BY TELEGBAFH—PRESS ASSOCIATION.) Auckland, March 14. Messrs. E. D'Esterre and G. Borne, two Auckland pressmen, reached tho summit of Ngauruhoo early yesterday morning. Tho lattor part of the ascent was made in fog. Tho crater was obscured by steam and fog, but occasionally a momentary gHmpso was obtained of the centro of activity. Thero was a continual roar from tho steam vents on tho floor of tho crater, and overy now and then showers of stones and sand. A portion of tho wall of the crater seemed to bo missing, but whether it had actually been blown out, or whether that portion was still there concealed by billows of steam, it was impossible to say. No lava streams were seen. It is evident tho volcano is quietening. Passengers by the Main Trunk express train on Saturday wero unable to gain a view of either Ruapehu or Ngauruhoe mountains, owing to tho heavy mist which prevailed. It was ascertained at Waiouru. however, that tho eruption of Ngauruhoo liad ceased, and that intermittent outbursts of steam was all that could now be seen. Tho mouth of iho crater is said to have been materially increased in' size as a result of last Tuesday's outburst. Tourists by coach from Waiouru to Tokaanu passed within a few miles of tho volcanic mountain, and they describo the scene as magnificent. Unfortunately none of tho coach passengers was possessed of a camera, so that the eruption can bo described only in words.