WHITE ISLAND.

Otago Witness, Issue 2892, 11 August 1909, Page 12

WHITE ISLAND.

PROFESSOR PARK'S DESCRIPTION. (Feom Oto Own Correspondent.) AUCKLAND, August 3. Professor Park, of the Otago University , recently paid a visit to White Island. In an ln/tervie.w on his return to the mainland he described the island as a most remarkable, a most wonderful place — far superior to anything to be seen at Kbtorua or Taupo, or any other place in the Dominion as a scene of thermal activity. White Island, states Professor Park, is an old volcano, and the present lake occupies the side of the old crater. The volcano is now in the eolfataric state. It is not so accessible as formerly, as the flat that existed a few years ago at the far end of the lake has been almost entirely blown away. On three sides the lake is now surrounded by high vertical walls, which are quite inaccessible. Professor Park is particularly interested in the water of the crater, which he says is extremely acid, containing 11 per cent, of hydrochloric acid, which attacks - all metals. He says he dapped some water out of the lake with a zinc bucket, and immediately the water began to fizz and splutter to the wonderment of the Maoris. This was an instance of the way in. which the acid in the waiters dissolved metals. Professor Park secured a sample oi the water to take away with him for the purpose, of complete Government analysis. The colour of the lake, states fhe. Professor, is steel green, a most beautiful green, and the lake has the appearance of having been painted that colour. The water of the lake is quite hot, and a thin vapour is constantly arising from the whole surface. The most remarkable feature of the island, states Professor Park, is the steam holes, which are in a state of intense activity. It is these which emit tie immense clouds of steam that can be seen from such a great distance. These steam holes are situated a,\ tlie north-west end of the lake. The noise of the escaping sfceam resembles thafc of the surf breaking heavily on the shore. At the far end of the lake there is nothing but a mass of these seething blow holes. On being questioned concerning the chances that have taken place since his previous visit, Professor Park stated that on the occasion of his visit in 1900 there was an area of 15 acres of flat land at the steam holes, whale at the present time there is not more than one acre. The cliffs on the west side of the lake have fallen in from the outlet to the steam holes, making it impossible to reach the steam holes along the margin of the lake as formerly. The flat at the far end of the lake has been almost entirely blown away. and is now covered with lake water, which approaches to within a short distance of the blow holes. The lake is now about 20 by 20 cnains in size, and the island generally in much more active than it was in 1900. The little steam holes and roorridge oots along the margin, of the lake keep continually sDlutterin-sr. In Professor Park's opinion White Island ought to be in the hands of the Government, instead of being in the hands of a private owner. X is, he says, a^place of intense scenic attractions, but apart from that it is very wierd and uncanny. Professor Park says thaif people who have^ visited White Island once 'wish to go again, and, in his opinion, the island could, owing to its uniaue scenic attractions an 4 thermal

wonders, be made the most popular tourist resort in the Dominion.