ASH SHOWERED OVER LARGE AREAS

Dominion, Volume 38, Issue 278, 23 August 1945, Page 8

ASH SHOWERED OVER LARGE AREAS

Huge Smoke Column From Erupting Ruapehu HAZE IN WANGANUI

Increased activity on Ruapehu this week is sprinkling large areas of the North Island with a heavy coating of ash. A southerly-wind early in the week turned the huge smoke column over the country north of the mountain and a considerable layer of fine grey material accumulated. Yesterday the wind went back to the north anti districts to the south were in turn coaled. At Wanganui the country was soon covered with a thick mantle and the great smoke clouds rolling seaward from the centre of the island plunged the town into a gloom early in - the afternoon. The whole country between Ruapehu and tlie Wanganui coast was coated white, as if by snow. Cars travelling through Wanganui streets raised as much dust as lltev would on an unsealed road. The dust haze was tjo dense that the War Memorial tower ou purie Hill and the water tower on Bastia Hill could not be seen from the suburb of Gonville. At Ohakune ash began to fall on Tuesday night, and yesterday the district was covered with a layer an eighth of an inch deep and ash was still falling. On Tuesday night many residents woke to wateh a vivid lightning display over the mountain. The ash shower iu Ohakune is described as “like a drizzle.” Mr. 11. Fyfe, of the Geological Survey, who is nt present observing the eruption, telegraphed the director of the survey. Mr. M. Ongley, yesterday, that there was no cause for alarm. “Discount .any fantastic stories,” he stated. His only reference to the state of the mountain was “Ruapehu emitting copious steam aud clouds.” Mr. Ongley left for the mountain yesterday to consult with the members of bis staff who are engaged there. Dead Fish in Hawke’s Bay. l ;

Dead fish were found washed up on Hawke’s Bay beaches yesterday. This appears to confirm yesterday’s report of flashes out to sea, an unusual mist and possible marine disturbance north of Cape Kidnappers. Apart from some minor rumbling, there was no repetition in Hawke’s Bav on Tuesday night of the disturbances of Monday night aud early Tuesday morning.