SUBTERRANEAN RUMBLINGS

Manawatu Standard, Volume LXV, Issue 225, 22 August 1945, Page 4

SUBTERRANEAN RUMBLINGS

RESIDENTS STARTLED. HASTINGS, Aug. 2L. Subterranean rumblings and explosions caused alarm in Hawkc S Bay early this morning and led to the belief that considerable volcanic activity is going on in the centre of the North Island There was no perceptible movement of the ground, but windows and doors rattled periodically and there was a booming sound similar to that preceding earthquakes. > In some districts the disturbance was more pronounced and people could not sleep for the constant noise from deep in the earth. Near the ranges farmers' families looked with apprehension at Ruapehu's distant flashes, and made ready to move if necessary. Volcanic ash fell in some districts early this morning. Reports ot Hashes and a strange mist at sea north ot Cape Kidnappers have been received. The first loud rumble was heard at 5 p.m. yesterday, and noises continued at intervals of about an hour throughout the night and early morning. A rumble like a thunderclap brought people from their beds shortly before 3 a.m., but the night was still and clear, and there was nothing to be seen. A curious feature of the disturbance lies in the fact that in districts where there is a foundation of gravel the sounds were much louder than in places where there is ordinary soil. Near the ranges there was a light fall of volcanic ash, but it was not as heavy as that of a week ago. Noises were heard in places as wide apart as Waipukurau, Hastings, Napier and Haumoana. Nothing unusual was noticed on the East Coast, but residents reported a strong smell of sulphur early this morning, especially near the Morere Thermal Springs. From several districts in Hawke's Bay Ruapehu was seen erupting in the distance, appearing like a chimney throwing out streams of sparks, but it was no more active than it has been in the past weeks. .. Last evening Tanpo residents saw a brilliant display by Ruapehu but only one or two explosions were heard during the night. A strange phenomenon sit about 4 a m has been reported by the occupants of a milk lorry travelling along the main road, near Awatoto. The driver said he saw .' a cloud of smoke or mist hanging over the sea several miles from ,-phe shore. The sky was clear, with bright moonlight at the time, 1 and a vertical pillar of vapour seemed to hang motionless over the Water. Flame-like lightning dickered through it, but there was no sound of thunder.