WHITE ISLAND

Hokitika Guardian, 20 December 1933, Page 7

WHITE ISLAND

RECENT ACTIVITY NOTED

MINOR EARTHQUAKE -SHOCKS

AUCKLAND; Dec. 14

Signs, of exceptional and recent activity on White Island were reported last evening on the return to Auckland of a member of a party which visited the island last week-end. The crater floor, which was in its usual state when last visited some months previously, was found to be covered with ash and rubble to a depth of several inches, while three wellknown blow-holes had appreciably shifted the*ir positions, and two small lakes were almost filled with stones and mud.

The party consisted of almost 40 members, the majority being Maoris intent on their annual expedition in search of mutton-birds. The party left Te Kaha, which lies between Opotiki and Cape Runaway, about midnight last Saturday, and travelling approximately 40 miles by launch, reached White- Island at daybreak. A landing was made on the north-west side of the island, and while the Maoris were collecting the mutton-birds, several Europeans with the party followed a track -round the cliff's and entered th e crater, deceiving to the floor, from which steam was rising.

Three large blow-holes were inspected in the course of a tramp round the crater. Progress was difficult, on account of the debris, which was believed to have been caused by activity within the previous six or eight weeks. A well-known blow-hole called “Little ; Donald” was found to he inactive for j the first time in three years. The corrosive action of the chemicals on the island was apparent when an inspection was made of machinery left by a concern that ceased operations on the island some three years ago. Two motor-trucks in a shed had also suffered severely.

The Maoris enjoyed exceptional success in their search' for mutton-birds, about 2000 being caught. The party returned to the mainland in the afternoon.- . ' ,

' A-slight earthquake experienced at V hakaiane about three o’clock yesterday. morning was believed to have been caused by further ‘ activity at White Island. Windows rattled loudly and most of the residents were wakened, but no damage was,reported.

The shock was also felt at Opotiki, Earthquakes are becoming more rare now in the district and of less ‘intensity than those before the big one in 1931.