NIAFOOU ERUPTION.

Press, Volume LXV, Issue 19691, 7 August 1929, Page 11

NIAFOOU ERUPTION.

DESCRIPTION OF DAMAGE. (PMSS ASSOCIATION TSIiBOBAM.) AUCKLAND, August 6. The Tofua, when passing Niafoou Island, Tonga, on July 28th, received a report indicating that the island was comparatively quiet after the volcanic eruption on July sth The steamer was warned to pass carefully round the western side of the island, owing to rock having been discharged into the sea. The eruption occurred between 3 and 5 o'clock on the morning of July sth. After a few earthquakes, fire broke out and extended over 2000 acres of plantation land. By July 26th six to eight craters were pouring out tnva, which found its way to the sea. The township of Futu was partly destroyed, and the lava field reached within two miles of Agaia. The craters were ejecting stones 15 to 20 feet high. The copra sheds belonging to the Bums, Philp, and the Morris, Hedstrom companies were burned, their loss being estimated at £2OOO. The land devastated was partly native and partly Crown land. There was no loss of life. Most of the natives moved to the hills, but returned after the eruption. Business is now being carried on as usual. Passengers by the Tofua saw a country blackened for miles where it had been swept by tire. iSmoke and steam were issuing from 13 craters.