VOLCANIC ERUPTION!

Hokitika Guardian, 6 August 1929, Page 6

VOLCANIC ERUPTION!

REPORT OF NIAFOON OUTBREAK

[•By Telegraph, Per Press Association.] AUCKLAND, August 6. ■ The Tofua, when passing Niafoon Island, Tonga, on July 28th, received a report indicating comparative quiet after the volcanic eruption on July stli. The steamer was warned to pass care fully round the western side of the : island owing to rocks discharged into the" sea. The eruption occurred between 3 and sin the morning. Following a few earthquakes, fire bn lce our, extending over two thousand acres of plantation land. By July 25tli, six to eight craters were pouring out lava, which found its way to the sea. The township of Futu was partly destroyed and the lava field reached within two miles olf Agata.-- The craters were ejecting stones .15 to 20 feet high. Copra sheds belonging to Burns. Phillip and Morris Hedstrom Coy. were burned their loss being estimated at £2,000. The land devastated was partly native and partly crown land. There was: no loss of life. Most of the natives had moved to the hills but returned after the eruption 1 Business 'its noy carried on as usual.

Passengers by the Tofua saw the country blackened for miles where it had been swept by fire. Smoke and steam was issuing from thirteen craters.