NGAURUHOE IN ERUPTION

Hokitika Guardian, 19 May 1926, Page 4

NGAURUHOE IN ERUPTION

CRATER. IiJ.UM IX A TED. AUCKLAND, May 17. Ngauruhoo continues to be more active than for some years past. From Taupo some magnificent shots were observed. Dense clouds of black smoke were rising 1000 feet above tlie cone. During the past week the rumbling of the shots has been plainly audible at Tokaanu, the concussion at times being sufficient to make the windows rattle.

From Wainiarino it is reported that the crater is illuminated with a glow and red hot boulders are seen from time to time rolling down the mountain side. There is a good deal of snow, ! which makes the effect still mole fas-

cinating. What might have been a lava flow occurred at 7..43 p.m. It appeared from the National Park like a wide streak of fire right down the mountain side. The roaring can be heard almost o ntinuouslv.

A party which attempted the ascent of Ngauruhoe oil Friday bad to take cover from boulders rolling down Ll.e mountain side. They sheltered behind rocks, and gave up tile trip as too dangerous.

AnoLhar thermal riddle in view of : Xgaurulice’s activities is iln- fact that 'the crater hike on Alouut Ruapehu is ' now “stove” cold. No scientific data I has been compiled relating to Item- ■ pernture of Ruapehu l.akv. Frequent readings have boon made by Afr J. Elytli, of Ohakuno, who is a most constant observer of the mountain, malting frequent ascent's, but ike thermometer he has been using has been found to he inaccurate. Therefore ho cannot claim unchallengeable authority for his figures. There is no |UOstion. however, thaL the temporal lire of (he hike a few years ago regularly stood at about 80 degrees Falir., and that it has reached 100 degrees. In 1920 a party which included Air | Blyth and Air A. ,T. Ford went into I he lake for their usual bathe after the climb, and the less experienced of the party were warned against staying too long in the warm, sulphurous water owing to its enervating influence. Tn January, 1022, the heat of the lake probably reached its maximum. Neither of the two mountaineers ever felt it hotter. Since then it .luts been steadily becoming cooler, and the icy cold water now has not the slightest attraction for climbers. A question is whether the greater activity in Ngauruhoe has cooled Ruapehu’s volcanic vent. REFLECTION OF FLAAfUS. Wanganui, alu- ir: The only active volcano in New Zealand, Ngauruhoe, was in eruption today. Although, the mountain is situated about ninety miles from AVangalitii and hidden from view by Mount -Ruapehu the eruption was clearly visible from high points in the city this morning.

A number of local mountaineers who climbed Doric Hill lower this morning and obtained a remarkable view state that there is no doubt that clouds of smoke and steam were being emitted by the volcano. A black pall of smoke, steam and volcanic dust was easily discernible, rising slowly above the peaks of Ruapehu. Tlie sun shining behind the voluminous cloud edged the column of smoke with gleaming silver.

A -Wanganui man who passed through Fordell this morning said that the eruption viewed from the country road made a magnificent sight. He was, of course, not close enough to hear any rumblings, which as a rule accompany "these volcanic, outbursts. An authority says that this is the first occasion on which a Ngauruhoe eruption Airis been seen from Wanganui. Alt Auckland visitor who travelled down the Alain Trunk last evening stated to a reporter to-day that Ngaurttlice presented a magnificent spectacle last evening, the reflection of the flames shedding a dull glow over the countryside. Passengers coming down the line by the Alain Trunk express were awe inspired by the spectacle of the burning mountain, and tlie whole train load of passengers forgot , their sleep in their interest in the volcano. Great flashes of light ascended from the crater and it was apparent that Ngauruhoe was in a seething condition.