VOLCANIC ACTIVITY.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVII, Issue 8065, 22 March 1906, Page 2

VOLCANIC ACTIVITY.

RUAPEIIU AND NGARAURII. HOE IX ACTION. M I'JiKSS ASSOCIATION. Amci.ANti, March 21. On lliiirsday last a large column of sleuni wi.s observed ascending from Uuupehu, and it was concluded that thermal action was going on, and a party was organised by Mr Meers, of London, who had made two previous ascents of the mountain. When the summit was reached, it was seen that a violent eruption of the large crater like had taken place, far the greater portion of the glacier and smwficlds on the east side and summit were covered with dark grey deposits and rocks. Approaching the lake the deposit became thicker, and tho holes larger, caused by big boulders, whilst mounds of mud at intervals rose up from four to five feet high on the ice. Looking across the Jake, which is about 500 yards wide, it was seen to be violently boiling near the centre, with great wavelets of yellow looking matter floating away on the surface, and steam also rising from the surface. On the south side of the lake, the ice cliffs were shattered to pieces, aud huge masses of ice came tumbling into the boiling water with a terrific roar, only to soon disappear in tho boiling, seething water. The whole scene was awe-inspiring in the extreme. Ngarauruhoe volcano, which is adjacent, is also very active, sending out volumes of smoke aud ash, so that there is unusual volcanic activity at present.