GIANT BONFIRE: SPARKS, FLAME LIGHT UP AREA

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 22867, 10 February 1949, Page 6

GIANT BONFIRE: SPARKS, FLAME LIGHT UP AREA

(P.A.) WANGANUI, Fob. 10. The top of the crater last night looked as though it was harbouring a giant bonfire, sparks rising and cascading in a brilliant spectacle. No danger appears likely In the surrounding district. A large party of delegates attending the Pacific science congress is staying at the Chateau and the eruption is of great interest to them. It is believed that some lava has been ejected by the mountain. Air Vibrations and Noise

The Chronicle telephoned the manager of the Chateau who said that last May, when Ngauruhoe eruoted, it was 'possible for parties to climb the mountain but on this occasion that would be impossible. Air vibrations were felt throughout the day and a noise like an express train over a viaduct couid be heard continuously. A 9 p.m. there was a great sheet of flame visible for a long distance. Lorry drivers report that rocks thrown out by the eruption were clearly visible Jo the naked eye five miles away and their passage when they fell down the steep slope could be clearly watched.

The eruption was first noticed about 2.45 yesterday morning.

Occasionally, tremors can be felt at the Chateau frbm explosions in the mountain.

Observers at the Chateau express the opinion that this eruption is worse than that of last May. Reports indicate that the eruption is considerably heavier than that in 1938 when Ngauruhoe was active for the first time on record.