The Eruption at Ambrym.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume XV, Issue 4886, 26 November 1894, Page 3

The Eruption at Ambrym.

Full Particulars. (Received Nov. 26,10.40 a.m.) Stdxey, November 26, Furthor details of the eruption at Ambrym, in the New Hebrides, show that it was ono of tho most remarkable disturbances over recorded iu the South Seas, As tho flow of molten lava came on, filling up tho valleys in its courso towards the sea, thernshand roar becamo louder. Every now and then amidstthedenso smoko caused by the molten laTa setting lire to everything, thero wonld arise a volume of steam as it rushed into the streams, and must have travelled several miles before reaching the sea, It completely swept tho cliff away for a width of thirty yards and poured into the ocean with a tremendous roar and hissing noise, When tho glowing mass touched the wator an iramenso volume of steam aroso to a height, which tho officers of the Dart measured as four thousand feet, and the sea boiled so furiously ' that tho man-o-war had to movoout of its reach. A continual fall of volcanic dust and othor debris is still going on, which is completely covering everything. It is feared that the natives will be reduced to starvation by the destruction of the crops. Sbonld the fall continue much longer all >thc vegetation will be killed from its effect, During the night shock after shock of earthquake occurred, some being vory violent, causing a sickly sensation amongst tho crew. From Port Sandwich, twelve miles distant, Ambrym looks likoan island covered with snow. When the eruption began the natives wcro terror stricken, men, women and children fleeing for their lives.