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α-i

We had not been on top many minutes when the gas and Bteam oleared away from the throat of the division of the crater just below us, and disclosed a well of lava glowing with a colour like turkey-red; a few seconds' exposure, and its terrors were enshrouded in steam and gas. The main crater, which lias a diameter of about 650 yards, is subdivided into three parts, as shown in the sketch. The division most to the south is the most active, and largest, and is the one in which can Vie seen the red-hot lava. 'The division most to the east is less deep, and at present is almost inactive, even having about 4ft. of snow on its floor [tin- snow is nearly hidden by recent ejections of volcanic mud]. The crater most to the west is shallow, and has numerous vents emitting hot mud, and several fumaroles on the northern wall. On the outer crust of the crater towards the north-west, and roughly L5O ft. below the crater li|)s, are several active fumaroles, showing that that side has been fractured; and should a strong eruption occur it probably will not stand the strain, and will be breached. I was on top of the mountain during the rather big eruption that occurred at Easter-time in 1909, and then, as far as one could see when the dense column of steam and dust was blown by the wind from side to side of the crater, the three were all equally active. When we first saw the red-hot lava in the crater I was somewhat gratified at being the first (as I then thought) to verify what had previously been considered only a vague rumour, but a few days afterwarde 1 learnt that Dr. 1 , . Marshall had forestalled us in the discovery a fortnight previously. However, our seeing it will be a further confirmation of a most important and interesting geological discovery. After a stay of over an bour on top we tramped over to the lied Crater and on to the Ketetahi Springs and Blow-hole. The activity at the lied Crater whs less than when I was there two years ago, but Ketetahi was about the same. Te Mali was more than usually active. After a bath in the healing waters of Ketetahi we returned over the top of Tongariro, and went down the rooky valley between it and Ngauruhoe, in which the Mangatepopo has its source. 1 hoped to find here the " soda-water " spring shown on Mr. Cussen's map, but I could find only one small puddle that emitted occasional bubbles of gas. The Mangatepopo, however, at anil near its source is Yvvy interesting, as its waters are very highly chalybeate, and may prove of value for medicinal purposes. All down the upper course of the stream the iron is deposited as a light-yellow sediment on the stones at the bottom of the water, which with a pearly-lust red gelatinous matter (probably an alga) on the margin gives a very pretty effect. I am told that the number of people going to see the volcanoes is increasing fast every year, and when a good acc-oinmodation-hut is erected on the western side the tourist traffic will certainly be large. They are the only active volcanoes in Australasia, and a visitor to them must feel that he has seen a unique and wonderful natural feature, and derived greal benefit from the exhilarating climate of the summer months.

APPENDIX VII.—A SHORT DESCRIPTION OF THE ROUTES OVER THE TARARUA RANGE FROM LEVIN AND MASTERTON.

[By H. E. Uihdlestone, Assistant Surveyor.] The Tararua Range, with its many prominent peaks, snowclad during the winter months, is always a source of interest to residents in the Wairarapo and Manawatu districts. The lower slopes, which are thickly clad with bush, run out in long spurs on both sides, between which run the many rivers in magnificent gorges. Above the bush is the mountain meadow, which is a very charming spectacle about Christmas-time, when the .alpine plants are in flower. On the Wairarapa side a mountain-house has been established for some years on the track to Mount Holdsworth. and so popular has this trip become that the visitors during last summer numbered nearly one thousand. Lower down the range a good track has been cut from the Otaki Forks to Mount Hector, and another track is in course of construction to the same peak from the Greytown side. Several parties have made the trip across the range from Levin to Masterton, and as this route is not generally known, and passes over some of the highest peaks, no doubt some information as to tracks and distances will be useful to future parties. The best route to Mount Dundas from is via the Ohau River. There is a good road to the suspension bridge, which carries the water-supply pipes across the Ohau River, about live miles distant. There is a rough ford over the river just above the bridge, and from thence a cart-track passes through a gate at the settling-tanks, and continues on for about a mile to an old camp on the bank of the river near the intake. From here on the river-bed has to be followed. In summer-time, when the river is low. this is undertaken without any difficulty, wading from side to side, taking advantage of any stretches of shingle, the water in the deepest crossings not being much above the knees.