VESUVIUS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXV, Issue 147, 23 June 1934, Page 3 (Supplement)

VESUVIUS.

(Sent iu by -Stella Roberton, Ohakune Junction.) * The earliest known eruption of Vesuvius took place in the year 79, when the city of Pompeii was destroyed. A period of comparative quiet followed till 4-72, when, in u terrific eruption, the ashes were carried as far as Constantinople. Oother eruptions occurred in 512, 1030 and 1500. Then, after a period of inaction lasting 131 years, Vesuvius awoke from its long sleep with a destructive outbreak, which completely wiped from its slopes the thick forest with which it had become clothed. The eighteenth century saw many eruptions, notably that of 1703, when a lava stream 15ft high poured from the crater and six hours later reached the sea. Hissing and steaming, it poured into the water, and eventually penetrated the sea floor for a distance of 380 ft in a stream over 1200 ft wide. In 1822 another big outbreak took place, accompanied by curious phenomena. A plume of "smoke" arose from the crater to a height of 10,000 ft, emitting flashes of lightning and torrents of hot rain. Other devastating eruptions occurred in 1855, ISGI and 1872. Since 1572 Vesuvius has been comparatively quiet, the eruptions being of a mild nature, compared to previous outbursts. The last disturbance cf any size occurred in 1906.