THE TONGARIRO ERUPTION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXIX, Issue 8812, 27 February 1892, Page 5

THE TONGARIRO ERUPTION.

[from a correspondent.] Lake Tappo, February 24. Since I telegraphed you a description of the eruption of Ngauruhoo several outbreaks somewhat similar to the first have taken place, but unfortunately we have had very few opportunities of observing them, as the great quantity of smoke emitted from the crater soon shrouds the mountain in a dense cloud. This morning we had a clear view of the active cone, and it is beyond dispute that the volcano is in very active eruption. It is impossible, however, to get a description of what is exactly going on, as no one has dared to ascend the mountain as yet, although there are several persons eagerly watching an opportunity to do so. The eruption should be an attraction to tourists as the line of route from Rotorua to Napier is so far from the volcano that there is absolutely no danger. Tongariro is a volcano, and does not throw up mud like Tarawera did. During the eruption in 1870 it ejected lava stones and ashes only. Mr. Norman, of the Telegraph Department, was at Orakeikorako on Sunday. When he arrived there lie found the geyser very active, and the natives informed him that it had been throwing water up several hundred of feet high. Strange to say when he returned on Monday the geyser was almost quite dry. On the night of the 23rd I learn that a resident at Tokaanu noticed, about ten o'clock, Ngauruhoe throw up a column of smoke and ashes, which seemed to drift over LakeTaupo. There was no noise or earth tremors, the night being clear starlight, with a howling gale blowing. He saw coining over Pohanga bush track something like smoke from a thousand steam funnels, and dust falling so thick he could hardly get a glimpse of it. The main black cloud appeared to go across Lake Taupo.