Eruption of Tongariro.

Feilding Star, Volume XVIII, Issue 116, 14 November 1896, Page 2

Eruption of Tongariro.

LABGE COLUMNS OF STEAM AND ASHES FROM TE MARE. \S EXTRAORDINARY SIGHT REPORTED. Tg Mare, 4990 ft. one of tho cones of Tougariro Mountain haa broken out in active eruption. The following telegram has been received hy Mr W. Gray. Secretary of the Post and Telegraph DeDart* ment, from the Postmaster at Taupo : — "Te Mare, a low cone ot Tongariro though recently active, commenced an extraordinary eruption about midday." " A large column of steam and smoke and a cloud of red ashes are reported to be seen some 29 miles north-west of here." " Eruption started agtdn about 3 p.m., continuing until du?k." Auckland, Nov. 13. At 10.40 to-day a slight earthquake shock was experienced at Tanpo, biu the direction was undiscernible. At T2.40 Te Mare, a steam hole on Tongariro, burst inco violent eruption, otnitlinp; an immense volatile oi steam nod smoke rising to a great height and travelling against th 9 wind. It presented a grand spectacle, during which Ngarnahoe was in active eruption, lusting aboil' 35 ruin- j utes. It was a beautifully fine day, and the clear atmosphere gave an uninterrupted view. A cloud containing red ashes travelled in the direction of Atiinuri, and was seen there at three o'clock, Another eruption took place which is evidently continuing (4 o'clock), but the wind causes the smoke to obscure it. Ruapebu also appeared to be emitting a small column of steam. Te Mare was similarly active about four years ago. The Tougariro Mountain, situated to southward of Lake Tunpo cousisis of a group of distinct volcanic cones, and Te Mare is one of these. The craters of N^auruboe, tbe Rod Crater und To Mure are the ihree vents from which the latest ; discharges of lava have taken place. These craters are all active.