MAORI MEMORIES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 22 November 1938, Page 3

MAORI MEMORIES

(Recorded by J.H.S. for “Times-Age.”) ♦ TARAWERA (HOT PEAK) (Recorded by J.H.S. for “Times-Age.”) This terrific explosion, by far the greatest recorded in this country, occurred on June 10th, 1886. There had been a record period of winter drought followed by a phenomenal rainfall for two days immediately before the eruption of this volcano, which had been quiescent for untold years. Among amateurs there was much speculation and controversy concerning the immediate cause of such phenomena. Wind, atmospheric pressure, and steam pressure were discussed, but science was discreetly silent as to this mysterious force. Historic records give us the comforting assurance of immunity from a recurrence for at least a few centuries, according to the violence of the eruption or the earthquake. A freezing hurricane of record force, was followed by underground sounds as of heavy thunder, and flash lights like sheet lighting. Then the artillery fire of red hot stones shooting to unknown heights amid the dense clouds of black twirling smoke and ashes. Dense darkness which could not be penetrated by lamps or flame torches added to the death roll, terror and confusion. No less than 110 heavy earthquakes followed the eruption during three days, when 6000 square miles of plain, forestry, mountain ranges were buried feet deep.

The suddent bursts of noise were heard quite distinctly for two to four hundred miles. The electric display, and the dense columns of smoke and dust eight miles high were seen 100 miles away. Dense darkness for forty hours added to the terrors. The deaths numbered 101. The loss of the White and Pink Terraces which would have attracted a million tourists a year with a revenue in excess of our wool, meat, and dairy products, is irrepairable. The Maoris in their superstitious terror of an evil spirit, were stricken with fear, but unlike us, gave no sign of it.