English Impressions of the Tarawera Eruption.

Auckland Star, Volume XVII, Issue 215, 13 September 1886, Page 2

English Impressions of the Tarawera Eruption.

[ The ideas which prevail abroad with respecj to tho effects of the volcanic eruption at Taraweraare very much mixed. The " Pal' Mall Gazette" states:—"Details of the volcanic disturbances in New Zealand in June have been received. Mount Tarawera first became active, and was followed by the entire Paeroa range, including even Ruapehu, which has been extinct as far as tradition goes back. Through the Auckland Lake district, which measures 120 miles by 10, the soil is everywhere hot and crumbling, and is thrown into elevations which are pierced by geysers. Great distress prevails throughout the district. Other phenomena of the disturbance were vivid lightnings, frightful earthquakes, sulphurous smells, and leaden clouds which burst with thunder." The only impression ono could gather from this summary is that the whole country from Tarawera to Ruapehu was involved in the outburst. Even Mr Stuart Cumberland, who was in Auckland during the

excitement which followod the great convulsion, when writing an account of it for tho "San Francisco Chronicle," said : " As a wonderland the New Zealand hike district is, I fear, a thing of the past. Doubtless fresh hot curative springs will burst forth, and thousands of curious travellers will, out of mere curiosity, bo drawn to the sceno of the disaster, but the terraces were undoubtedly the great if not the only attraction of tho district ; and they are gone.'' Anyone roading this passage without a 1 knowledge of the district would conclude that the curative springs of the Lake District and all the varied phenomena of tho Wonderland had been destroyed, whereas tho eruption was local toKotonialiana, which it has made more -wonderful than ever, and it had rather a botieficial influence than othcrwiso upon the thermal wonders of other parts of the Great Wonderland of the Hot Lako District. To correct these impressions, and at the samo Lime give a connected account of tho exciting incidents attending the eruption, a littlo book has just been issued containing fifty-four pages of reading matter descriptive of the eruption and the Thermal Springs District before and after it. The work also includes a good map showing the dust and mud deposits, tho fissures and now volcanic craters, and thirty views, in colours, comprising the following:— • Mount Tahaweha in Eruption. The Rent in South End oi,- Tarawkra. Tin-: Great Rent from End to End oi? Taraweha. View of the Eruption from Ruawaiha. The New Lakh, Rotomakahihi. View oi,' the New Lake ami HotomaHANA, from I'op of Mount Tarawcnt. The Gorge or Hut Torn out of South End of Tarawkra, The Black Crater. The -White Terrace (three views). The Pink Terrace (two views). Ohinemctu Village on Lake Rotorua. Old Mission Church, Te Mu. Mr. Hazard's House (before and sifter tho eruption). Rotomahana Lake, Before Eruption (two views). Rotomahana, After Eruption (two views). Waiuoa Settlement (Beforo the Eruption). Scenes in Waiuoa (After the Eruption). Digging Out the Old Toiiunoa. Captain Way's House (After the Eruption). The Old Mill. Tikitapu, on the IIt.UH Lake. Tikitapu Bush (After the Eruption). This book is published at tlio low price of 2s (id, or . - 's Gd in cloth, and its wide circulation should tend fo correct much of the injurious misapprehension which Ims been created abroad with regard to the eruption and its effects. Copies of the book aro nowprocurable at tho Star office for transmission by tho outgoing San Francisco mail.

Captain Edwin advises at noon that bad wenthor is approaching from between N.W. nnd N. and S. Tho glass will have a further fall, rising again within 12 hours.

Tho direct Btoamor Ruapehu is oxpectod to arrive lioro from Plymouth via Port Chalmers and Wellington about il a m. on Wednesday morning, Tho Runpohu loft London on July 30th, nnd Plymouth on the following day. During tho heavy northoa»torly galo that provuilod yesterday, tho schoonors Waiapu and Floetwing had to bo well looked aftor at tho Railway Wharf, whoro they wero bumping rather heavily, but fortunately escapod with vory slight damage. A Portuguese, known as Antonio, whilst fending ono of tho vessels off the wharf, had his arm jammed against a pile, and rather soveroly bruised. James MoAnulty, carter, of Otahuhu, filed a potition in bankruptcy this morning. The following tonders for two brick shops in Edon Terrace wero recoivod on Saturday by Mr .1. Batty, architect, Ponsonby Road : —A. Hanson (uccoptod). i'Slo"; J. fillingham, £841 ; W. Grant, £843 ; W. Hutchinson and Son, £811 ;K. LUimoM, £847 10s ; Roso and Clnrko, £853 ; Coo. Rhodes, £SSG ; Thos. Colebrooko, £SR2 ; Cleghorn and Rosser, £879: J. B. Moll. £BS7 : Bririgeman and Smith, £SOS ; Coo. lialdock, £010 -, H. E. Brabazon, £97">; A. Maisoy and Co., £900. A mooting of tho diroctors of tho Now Zoaiand Tobacco Company was hold ut noon today, for tho purposo of placing tho affairs of the Company .'on a sounder basis. It is to bo hoped that this ollort will provo successful, as this would opon nn important industry, omploying an amount of labour and affording another sourco of gain to country sott'.ora. Wo havo received from Messrs Kidd and Wildman, bookeollors, thrto largo views, suitable for framing, representing tho eruption at Tnrawera and tho destroyed torraces. These pictures havo been issued by Mr A. D. Willis, lithographer, of Wanganui, and aro among tlio best specimons of chromo-lithography ovor executed in the colony. Tho co'ouring of the torraces is especially good. Tho picture of Mount Tarawera is from a design by Mr C. Bloomfiold. Although much moro lurid nnd highly-coloured than the accounts of Bpoctators lead us to supposo tho scene actually was, tho efToct is weird enough to satisfy the most forvid imagination ; and tho lithography is almost faultless. The publishoi may honestly bo congratulated upon tho stylo in which this work has been executed, and we havo no doubt that his enterprise will bo rewarded by a vory extonsivo Bale. Mr James Slator, architect, has received the following tenders for oroction o Maeonio Hall, Wairon South : —Russell, £164 ; Williams, £177 10a ; Maughan, £100 ; Edgorloy, £194 ; Shearer, £100 lis ; McLean, £200 ; Pomoroy, £205 ; Muir, £209 ; Farroll, £210 ; Jamioson, £210 ; Jonos and Pollard, £212 10s; Scott, £213 10-i ; Holmes and Co., £228 15s ; Duder, £229 ; Mathieson, „239 ; Glow, £250. One of the moat recent improvements in the Northcote district is a handsomo hail, built by Mr Hawes on about an acre of ground of the Gladstono Estate. Tho hall ia in n good situation, commanding a aplendid view of tho Lake district and Auckland, and it has beon built with the view of periodical ontertainmonta, picnic parties, etc. It i 8 neatly fitted out, and is capable of comfortably seating 250 peraonß. The hall was opened on Saturday evening last, wlion a public meeting of ratepayers was held, as reported in another column.

At tho farewell fancy dress ball and musical entortainment to Mr J. Edwards on Wednesday evening, it has been arranged that Herr Carl Schmitt shall conduct the operatic performance, and he will bo assisted in tho musical department by Mr Clutsam and Miss Harding. On account of Mr Keith Wilson being busily engaged in tho management, Mr Percy Dufaur will take his place in the part of Don Josd. Tho arrangements are now complete, and nothing is wanting to make tho affair a thorough success. The Amateur Opera Club's performance of "Les Cloches do Corneville" for tho benefit of tho Benevolont Society proved highly successful in every respect. Tho Opera House was packed to tho coiling on Saturday night, and tho ladies and gentlemen comprising the company and orchestra exerted themaolvos to splendid purpose, tho roault being a production which would do no discredit to a professional company. As for tho public, tbey wore quick to approciata superior oxcollonco in tho performers and to laugh at tho local "hits" — applauso being frequent and wreaths and bouquets abundant. The National Anthom was sung at tho close, Mr Edwards taking the solo part.

Mr Duncan Wright gave an oxcollant address to parents and childron in St. Luke's Church, Remuera, yesterday afternoon. Owing to tho heavy downpour of rain, a large number were unable to attend. Mr Wright has a special gift for addressing the young, whoso unflagging attontion he commanded during the whole sermon. At the closo a collection was taken up in aid of the Sabbath-school. In the evening, he conducted a most successful evangolistic service in tho same church. N.othwithstanding the boisterous weather, thero was a large congregation, who listened with rapt attontion to his solomn and heartsearching address. During the service he sang the impressive solo, " Almost Persuaded." In rosponse to his invitation, more than one-half of tho congregation romainod to the devotional meeting. Mr Wright will continue tho special services every night this week in tho same church, to commence at 7.30_ o'clock, Thero will also be a prayer meeting in the schoolroom behind the church each evening at 7 o'clock. All our earnestly invited to both meetings. Arrangements for the calico ball in connection with St. Mary's Convent are proceeding satisfactorily, and the affair promises to be a great success. The following Committee of ladies haß the matter in hand : —Mrs D. A. Tole, Miss M. Toie, Miss Tole, Mesdames D. Lynch, Dunn, P Laniuan, Lewisson, W. F. Clifton, WoollTms, Stichbury, Gregory, J. Grey, M. Dnnaher, Hackett, Dervan, P. Darby, Bropliy, E. Mahoney (Ponsonby), A. Lynch, I. Dignan, B. Dignan, Gus. Jones, ftfiughton, O'Connor, W. Eyre, Derrom, A. Martin, 1\ Gleeson, J. O'Brien, Misses K. Ryan, X, Danaher, Kirby, Scott, Field, B, O'Connor, and Delia Lynch.

A rifle match betweon the City Gua ds and Colloge llillos, twelve mon a'-sido, took place last Saturday, whon tho College men won with about fifty points to ppare. Wo havo been requested to remind our readers of the bonofit by tho Waitemata Minstrels to tho Riley Bros., which tukes place at tho Operi House to-morrow ovoning. Arrangements aro boing mado for a concert which is to bo hold in connection with the Catholic Church at Otalmhu on the 17th instant. Tho Rcmuora Social Union give another of their popular ontertninmonts in their hall on Wednesday next, Tho programino consists of tableaux vivants, songs and recitations. A 'bus will loave tho Oieyhoiuid Hotol via Parnoll at 7.15. The Sunny South Juvenile Minstrels will mako their first appoaranco in tlio Nowmarkot Hall on Monday, 27th September, under tho manncoment of Mr A. Hughes. This will bo tho first performance of juvenile minstrols.in the colony. Jack Loes, a local boxer, is backed to fight Laurio, the Timaru man, for £25 to £50 a side, and tho championship of Auckland. Donovan also challenges oither Martin or Laurie to a glovo contest to a finish.

An oxcellont evoning's amusoment will be provided in St. Thomas's School-room, Union-etroot, to - morrow. Mrs Jarloy's wax-works will bo exhibited, the characters boiug takon by living persoiss. Some now and interesting figures will bo producod. Tho costumes of the whole will bo striking and effective, coloured lights being used to make tho scene more realistic. Some instrumental music of very high merit has been promised during tho interval for tho alteration of stage scenery necessary for tho production of the amusing comodiotta entitled "Tho Doctor's Mietake," which is full of fun and interest. The programme seems to promise an entertainment of more than ordinary worth, and should be well patronised.

Prof.iFsor Carrollo's carnival, which is to bo hold in the Opera House to-night, promises to be a big event, as a largo number of tickots havo boon sold, and the attractive programme will ensttio a success. Tho tup-of-war has caused great excitement among tho footballers who will represent their colours on tho stage to night. Tho Mayor will prosont tho Humane Socioty nnd Professor Carrollo's modals in tho course of tho proceedings.

Tlio monthly mooting of St. James's Band of liopo was hold last Fiidoy ovoning in tko hall, Mr .1. J, Ivor presiding. Thoro was a largo nttondnneo of mombora and friends, and an interesting programme was provided, consisting of tho following contributions, iiitoiupcrsed with selections from lioylo's collodion :—sor.K, "I'm Motherless Wow," Miss Alice Edmondos ; recitation, "I'm So Tired," Miss Violot Bullnntino; pianoforte solo, Miss Hoso Dickoy ; song, " When I Was nn Of'ico Boy," Mr J. 11. Eilmondoa ; pianoforte solo, Missßolln Dickey ; song. Miss Bertha Smith ; pianoforte solo, Miss M. Cnniie ; reading, Kov. .ti. F. Macuicol, Mr J. J. Ker dolivored an excellent nddross on tho bouofita of .-igning the plon'ge. A most enjoytblo evening was brought to a closo by tlio Kov. K. F. Macuicol pronouncing tho Benediction.

Tho dobnto at tho Auckland Athemmim lust Friday evening must bo luokod upon ua disappointing, owing to tho conflicting ideas in tho minds of tho several fpoakora Mr E. W. Burton, rolying upon the loxicogruphical meaning, and the sense in which tlio word ia usjd by tha Constitutional lawyors, gave tho definition cf Mr T. N. Dicey in tho •' Law Quarterly Hoviow," delining " Fedorntion " aa tlio subordination by a constitutional compact of sovoral statos, independent within certain defined limits, but subordinate to a contral legislature in certain matters spocificnlly dotorminod. Mr Cozens, on hia purt, declared it to bo a brotherhood of tho raco, independent of compact, nnd the Roy. D. llruco (ono of his supportors) maintained that a written constitution was not Tho Chairman decided that he would accept Mr Cozcns'a statomont aa tho popular meaning of tho word. Mr Burton thoroupon stated that ho would tuko no part in tho division, ns that rnisod quite nnother question to that sot down for dobato. Tho moral is - that dobators should como to a clearer understanding as to tho points to bo settlod upon tho ono sido and on tho other. Tho lion. G. Wnldogrnvc gnvo another of lua ovnngelistic addrossos last evening in St. Georgo'a Hall, Newton, to a largo uttondanco.

H ia notified by advertisement in another column the companies cnipriaod in No. 3 battalion are called for inspection parado at tlio Drill-shed to-night at half-past seven. In order to foster local industry as much na possible. Mr J. W. Sluvkloford haß recently had mado in Auckland blocks and other trade Meant for the manufacture on hi* promisee of "aahionablo stylos of hats, ho that any gentleman can now have hia hats mado to mcaaure. Tho laat entertainment of the season in connection with tho Ponsonby iiaptlat Church will be given to morrow ovoning at at 7,30 o'clock. Mr Edward Loydon will soil at Onehunga to morrow tho balanco ot Mr Mainland's furniture end effects, ino'nding a flret-clasa I lano. Messrs Earle nnd Montgomery, grocors, Karangahape Road, havo cjllod at thie office couipluiniDg that thoy wero cauaod grcatannoyanco on Saturday by ihelrcustomersdemanding a 501b bag of flour n I sa, instead of Gs. It appears that an error orept into tho advertisement in sotting uji the typo. In justice to Messrs Karlo and Montgomery, It Is right to Btate ihat what they rent written In their notice was 6a, and not 5a as printed.