AWESOME SIGHT

Northern Advocate, 6 August 1929, Page 5

AWESOME SIGHT

ERUPTION IN TONGAN GROUP,

•STORY BY EYE-WITNESS,

(Per Press Association.—Copyright.) AUCKLAND, This Day

The Tofua, when passing Niafoon Island, Tonga, on July 38, received a report indicating comparative quiet after the volcanic .eruption on July 5. The steamer was warned to pass carefully round the western side of the island owing to rocks which had been discharged into the sea.

The eruption occurred between 3 o’clock and 5 o’clock in the morning. Following a few earthquakes, fire broke out, extending over 2000 acres of plantation land. By July 25 six to eight craters were pouring out lava, which found its way to the sea. The township of Futu was pantly destroyed and the lava field reached within two miles of Agata. The craters were ejecting stones 15 to 20 feet. high. Copra sheds belonging to Burns, Phi Ip and the Morris, Hedstrom Companies were burned. Their loss is estimated at £2OOO.

The land devastated was partly native and partly Crown land. There was no loss of life. Most of the natives moved to the hills, but- returned after the eruption. Business is now being carried on as usual. Passengers by the Tofua saw the country blackened for miles whore it: had been swept by fire. Smoko and steam were issuing from thirteen craters.