THE MOUNTAINS SMOKING

Evening Star, Issue 21945, 4 February 1935, Page 13

THE MOUNTAINS SMOKING

NGAURUHOE AND RUAPEHU IN ERUPTION CLOUDS OF STEAM [Pee United Peess Association.} WELLINGTON, February 3. Preceded by a terrific thunderstorm with forked lightning over the mountains, Nguuruhoo began to erupt shortly after 2.30 yesterday afternoon, according to telephone advice by Mr Cobbe, manager of The Chateau, Tongariro. Mr Cobbe stated that Ngauruhoe shot up a column of smoke to a height of 4,000 feet and appeared to be becoming more active every minute. Tongariro was also active. The eruption continued throughout the afternoon, and at dusk on Saturday night a remarkable manifestation was displayed on Ruapehu, where dense clouds of steam were seen rising from the lake on the mountain top. Ngauruhoe was playiiig to a height of 2,000 feet, and Ketetahi, on Tongariro, was also displaying marked signs of activity. Mr Cobbe said this is the first time in four years that the three mountains have shown such pronounced activity at the same period. The eruption of Ngauruhoe reached a height of 4,000 feet. This was not so high as was recorded four weeks ago, hut since December 9 the whole range has 6hown more activity than for many years. To-day was misty and rain was falling over, the, mountains, and it was difficult to estimate what was happening, although Mr Cobbe believed the eruption was continuing.

If the weather clears to-morrow a party, including some visitors, will make an ascent of Ngauruhoe to investigate. No shocks were experienced on this occasion at the Chateau.