TONGARIRO IN ACTIVITY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIII, Issue 10300, 27 November 1896, Page 3 (Supplement)

TONGARIRO IN ACTIVITY.

— « V'. ' A GRAND SPECTACLE. _ " ;."-r 'W. Tatoo, November 13. ' At 10.40 to-day, a alight, earthquake shock v was experienced,' but the direction was andiscemable. At 12.40 To Mare, a steam hole on Tongftriro, bo rut into violent erbp«': tion, emitting'an immense volurio of steam ' and smoke, rising to a grant''.height, Travelling against the wind it presented a grand spectacle, during which Ngauruhoe was inactive. The eruption lasted about 35 minutes. ' It was a beautiful tine day, and the clear atmoaphore gave an unintor* rupted view. A cloud containing red ashes travelled in tho direction of Atiamuri, and , was seen , there. • At three o'clock another eruption, took place, which is evidently .continuing (four o'clock), bub tho wind I causes ; the smoke to ob9Curo it. Ruapehu also appeared to be emitting a small column of steam. Te Maro was similarly active about four years ago. '* November 16, ' The eruptions of Te Mare on Friday last commenced about mid-day, the first ono lasting 40 minutes. It was succeeded by another about three p.m., which continued until dusk, , They wore both very interesting. Scarcely any' uneasiness was ex« perienced by the residents, although when the first) eruptive matter fell some of it was as large as split) peas. It was supposed to be merely a bail storm, being regarded as such by some until the absence of moisture was noticed.' A party working on the slope of the mountain (Tongariro) wore compelled to boat a hasty retreat upon the first outbreak, being rather near the scene of operations. They report that liro accompanied the first eruption and very severe earth quivers. These outbursts aro looked upon quite calmly—in fact with favour, being regarded as safety valves for this volcanic region. All the out-settlers are quite safe, and did not experience any uneasiness, as a favourable wind prevented the duet, going in their direction. The mountains are now comparatively quiet.