SAMOAN ERUPTION.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXI, Issue 9117, 17 June 1908, Page 5

SAMOAN ERUPTION.

A MAGNIFICENT SIGHT. Particulars of the Samoan eruption show that the volcano at Matauru is giving increased signs of activity and that the lava is flowing as strongly and fiercely as ever. On Sunday, May 10th, a fresh stream of lava about two miles wide broke away from the old main stream at Asuisui, and flowed in a westerly direction towards Salcaula. On Wednesday, 13th May, the lava stream had reached Mr Joseph Key's place and burned down the house and several native houses. The" main nart of the stream, however, followed into the swamp at tb.3 back of Mr Key's place, and it was expected that the lava would reach Dr. Grevell's house on the same day. Many houses at the edge of the swamp were burnt as the lava adadvanced through the town. The lava on the bush side stretches right to the end of the town, so that one may say that Saleaula is practically destroyed. On Monday night an explosion occurred, and blew a big hole in th" liva. The liquid mass was blown ta a height of 100 feet. Dcring the first days of the coming of the lava in Saleauia the sight was magnificent at night time, with running lava in the sen and on the land, sometimes travelling at the rate of eight yards a minute, burning houses and burning trees.