SETTLERS LEAVING THE DISTRICT.

Te Aroha News, Volume IV, Issue 157, 19 June 1886, Page 2

SET TLERS LEAVING THE DISTRICT.

Eotorua, 9 p.m. We are in the midst of a terrible convulsion of nature. The extinct volcanic cones of Tarawera and Ruawhai burst into activity between one and two o'clock this morning. There was a constant succession of earthquakes until about 5 o'clock, and then there is a slight thunder and lightning almost incessant and still continuing. There are immense volumes of flames and smoke from the coves and steam from the locality of the White Terrace. Showers of dust and grit reached here before six o'clock, but a fortunate shift of the wind has since diverted them. It was an awfully grand sight, resembling Martin's picture of " The Last Day." The people were veiy greatly excited. Many have clear ul out for Oxford and Tauuanga. The lake has risen considerably, and many new springs have burst out. There is a small geyser just below my house. No serious damage has been done here so far. A message has gone to Te Wairoa to try and ascertain the position of mattes. I will let you know further particulars as soon as possible. I have already sent you a copy of the foregoing by a party going to Oxford, as the telegraph* st here iad no hope that the lines would be workable. I am now informed that he has secured communication. I think it desirable to let you know the true state of the case to prevent the spread of unduly exaggerated reports. —H. Dunbar -Johnstone."