CHANGED MT. RUAPEHU

Grey River Argus, 1 February 1946, Page 8

CHANGED MT. RUAPEHU

“A SUPER WAIMANGU” TWO LAKES AT CRATER WELLINGTON, Jan. 31. There is now on the summit of Mount, Ruapehu what the Director of the Geological Survey (Mr. M. Ongley) describes as “a super Waimangu.” Mr. Ongley, who made the ascent of the mountain at the week-end, said that when the next snow falls the skiing at Ruapehu would he as good as ever, and there would be “the additional, attraction of a new'Waimangu.” Mr. Ongley spent from 12.30 p.m. until 5.15 p.m. on Saturday at the crater. The day was perfect from a climbing point of view, but there was considerable steam at the crater, the chimney of which could be glimpsed only occasionally and then for only a few seconds at a time. He was accompanied by the three geophysicists who have been studying the phenomena, Messrs. E. R. Collins, G. M. Segedin, and R. G. Jenkins, and also by Mr. J. Healy, vulcanologist at Rotorua. There are now two lakes on two distinct levels on the old crater area. One is the former crater bed, while the other is on half of the tholoid. The depth of the chimney, in which the water is hissing and bubbling, is reliably estimated at 1,000 feet. “This was the first time that we have been able to see down this extraordinary chimney', which was a remarkable sight,” said Mr. Ongley: “Occasionally the steam would clear and then we would have a brief view.” The steam clouds, which were devoid of ash, were accompanied by hissing shots from the 1 pulsating, heaving water below. “Just like Waimangu,” he said, “the water heaving and tossing, seething far below, and there were frequent geysers.” The track was clear, and the climb, though strenuous, by no means difficult; the absence of ash and dust had improved conditions considerabl)’. “We are inclined to think that Ruapehu’s serious activity has now ceased,” said the Director. “It has certainly diminished: and it does not seem that, there will be anything spectacular again yet awhile.” . Mr. Ongley also commented upon lhe absence pi dangerous gases; there was only a little sulphur-dioxide, and no hydrogen-sulphide in evidence. The steam clouds were varied bi’ many delicate blue shades, Which indicated the burning of sulphur.