Two Streams Of Lava Flow From Ngauruhoe

Northern Advocate, 18 February 1949, Page 6

Two Streams Of Lava Flow From Ngauruhoe

WANGANUI, Fri. (P.A.). —Two separate streams of molten rock were pouring from the crater of Ngauruhoe this morning as the volcano entered a new phase of activity, not so violent as that recorded last week, but productive of far more rock, ash and smoke. After a fairly quiet night there was a terrific explosion from the crater at 6.15 a.m.

Then from the Chateau Tongariro. six miles away, it was noticed that (there was fresh lava on the old northern track where it poured last week, and molten material was also pouring down the western side at a point where it had never before been seen. The Chateau expected a detailed report on the lava flows late in the day when the Government geologist (Mr L. R. Allan) returned ii'om Ngauruhoe.

He tramped to Ngauruhoe with a visiting English scientist yesterday, and spent last night in the Mangatepopo hut. It is expected, therefore, that lie would witness this morning's eruption from close quarters. Although cloud obscured the volcano later in the morning. Chateau observers believe the lava was flowing down the new outburst trail again following an outburst at 9.30 a.m. The lava could not be seen from the hotel, but clouds of steam rising from tire foot of the western slope suggested that there had been a fresh flow.