Ruapehu’s Activity

Manawatu Times, Volume 70, Issue 150, 27 June 1945, Page 4

Ruapehu’s Activity

WANGANUI, June 26. Two loud explosions about 11 p.m. on Sunday, followed during the night by several minor detonations, marked the contiuuod activity of volcanic outbursts from Mt. Ruapehu, stated Mr. L. Fieldes, postmaster at Ohukunc, in reply to an inquiry last night. Mr. A. M a nso a. n Chateau guide, who climbed to the crater on Sunday, found that only a quarter of the former lake remained ami that there avhs a huge island of volcanic rock about oft. high. The outside of the island appeared to bo solid, but the centre was shaking like a jelly and periodically steam pressure beneath Avould lift a great lid of viscid lava aside anil dense black smoke aud steam would issue with a roar. When this occurred every few' rtinwtes flames leaped 30 feet out of the vent. The \ r ent remained in no fixed position and steam was dis charged Avlierever the cOA'ering Java was Aveakest at the time. At each burst a mass of molten, light-red rock rolled away from the orifice aud spread over the island. A continuous shower of rocks ejected by the steam column hurtled over 500 feet into the air and fell back on to the island. In this wav the island was slowly growing. What water remained in the Jake Avas discoloured black aud steaming violently. A huge cloud rose from the crater for o\ r er 3000 ft and streamed away southward. Mr. Manson said the level of the water in the lake had been lowered several feet, exposiug a narrow rock shelf round the edge.