A MAGNIFICENT SPECTACLE.

Press, Volume LIII, Issue 9304, 3 January 1896, Page 5

A MAGNIFICENT SPECTACLE.

Hunter Island, one of those solitary but slumbering connecting linka of the great volcanic system that stretches from New Zsalaud right up to the East Indies, has, after three score years of apparent quietude, again burst forth and given vent to the terrific subterranean forces that have of late years manifested themselves at> similarly situated spote in the South Pacific. The captain of the Americau barque Ssmtnole, which lately arrived at Sydney from the Pacific Slope, reported passing the island in question on November 24th, and witnessing a magnificent spectacle. From two cratere on the east side of the islaud, which was at times enveloped in sulphurous smoke and debris, large streams of lava poured down its tnouotainous side. The Seminole passed within a mile and a half of the spot, but no trace of life could be seen. Hunter Islaud, however, has never been inhabited withi/i the knowledge of man. It was discovered nearly a century ago, and is situated nearly midway between Norfolk Island and Fiji. At all times for the ptwt ninety yeais thin smoke has ascended from various poiuts along its monotonously savage-looking sides. As lung ago as 1835 the ialaud burst out and shot forth a huge pillar of flame and molten lava, which ran down its aide hissing to the sea. Since then, however, its hidden forces appear to have Iciu dormant.