VISIT TO WHITE ISLAND.

Franklin Times, Volume 9, Issue 752, 1 August 1922, Page 5

VISIT TO WHITE ISLAND.

NO NEW BLOWHOLE CREATED. Whi'te Island v,-as recently visited bv a party from Kutarere, in the Bay of Plenty, ami one of the visitors, Mi W. E. Knight, of Wainni, Kutarere. supplies some interesting details'- of (he present condition of that weird place, says the Manawatu Times. He says there is no sign of the sulphur lake that, prior to the disaster eight rears ago. formed such a feature of the gully that occupies two-thirds of the island. This gnllv is- filled with a number of small conr-col mounds of sand cf various saves and an amazing variety of colours. About

' half-way up the gully is the main blowhole of the island, and the visitors were fortunate in being there on a quiet day, as there was hardly any steam or sulphur fumes, with the result that a really good view was obtained. The blowhole is a large round depression about 15ft. across and 6ft. deep, with a hole in one coiner about 3ft. across, where there is a continual uproar, so loud that it is impossible to hear anybody speaking. There •are also round the sides a number of small holes, from which fumes are pouring out. Higher up the gully are the sulphur columns—three or four pillars of pure sulphur, varying in height from Ift. to 12ft., caused by the sulphur cooling on coming into contact with the air. On passing the Sulphur columns the party had to climb a ridge and ascend about 100 ft. On top of tliis rise we saw the other blowhole, but .it was very quiet. The fumes from t.lie sulphur columns blowing on the party were so strong that they had to breathe through their handkerchiefs, and so could not remain there long. Mr Knight slays that if the wind is blowing up the gully it is impossible to go far on account of the fumes, so that fully half of those who visit the island never see the sulphur columns or the second blowhole. Mr Knight concludes: “It was reported a short time ago that a new blowhole had broken out on the island, but that report is not correct. What would give that impression is the fact that the wind from one direction blows the fumes down the gully and that they rise when they reach the opening where the old hut was.”