THE RECENT ERUPTIONS.

Otago Witness, Issue 2237, 14 January 1897, Page 9

THE RECENT ERUPTIONS.

SOME CHANGES PRODUCED.

(Feom Our Own Correspondent.) Auckland, January 5. . A puty of gentlemen, accompanied and guided by Mr Robs, of the l'errace Hotel, Taupo, safely accomplished the ascent of Te ' Mare on New Year's Day. The weather was beautiful and everything very clear. The lip of the crater has worked southwards, the eruptions blowing out a large piece of the overlooking range above Te Blare, tbe cavity of which is now fully 100 yards in diameter, and of an unknown depth. Large volumes of steam continue to isj ue with a rumbling noise. Earth tremora are also frequent. A large rift has appeared, and if heavy rains should ensue it is anticipated the drainage from the mountains above would probably assist further eruptions of Te Mare. The old crater of Te Mare is nearly filled with rocks, mud, and stones, though steam continues to issue from amongst them. Several large rocks, some estimated to weigh over four tons, are lying 600 ft above Te Mare, fully half a mile distant, having evidently been ejected therefrom, as their appearance gives evidence of their recent arrival. The mountain side is one of comparative desolation, owing to the quantity of mud, stones, and sand «verywoere overlying the vofetaf.ion of that portion of Tongsriro, some even reaching Ketetahi and the red crater, and a stream of- mud hag flowed down into Lake Rofcoairi. New steam vents have also appeared about a quarter of. a mile down the mountain side. This was the second attempt of this party to anceud the mountains, and they thoroughly appreciated the exceptional scenery aad experience. They aUo vibited other portions of Tongariro, including Ketetahi and the red crater, but very little alterations were noted at either placs. Ngauruhoe and Ruapehu are apparently in their normal condition. The usual occasional appearance of steam is eeen coming from the former. M. Gulric, the new Governor of Tahiti, has decided to visit the Lake Country before proceeding to Tahiti.