THE LOST TERRACES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIX, Issue 11872, 25 January 1902, Page 1 (Supplement)

THE LOST TERRACES.

[by A recent visitor.]

I read with much pleasure and interest the letter by C. J.R., of Nelson, in the supplement of your Saturday's issue of the Herald, dated January 11 last, re the lost terraces of Rotomahana. I am glad to note he is convinced that they are still in existence. Since the eruption of 1886 I have shut my ears to 8.11 mention of the terraces, and my interest was only again awakened by Bob Ingle, the guide, with whom I had many interesting conversations on this subject some three months ago. In fact, what ho told me about the terraces led me to wish to see the scene of the eruption for myself. To gain a correct view of the spot it was necessary to climb to the top of Tar?,-\ . wera Mountain, which I did at the end of • last year, and was rewarded for my trouble by the splendid view and the knowledge gained thereby. I was much assisted in my study of Nature from the top of this Mountain by a very strong pair of Yeiss field glasses. The rift in Tarawera Mountain runs from the old crater in a north-easterly direction, while Rotomahana Lake lies in a south*westerly direction of the mountain, or exviet ,y opposite.to- the direction of the rift. v. TJ:s • "crater : is? still there, although abU-fc;, present time there is no sign of any heat, steam, or smoke issuing from it, and to all intents and purposes it is dead. As to whether "Lake Rotomahana blew tip at the time of the eruption is a question which has never yet been satisfactorily answered, but that a crack opened at the bottom of the lake and let the water run out, thereby being the direct cause of the eruption of Tarawera, cannot be doubted, for after the eruption there was not a drop of water left in Lake Rotomahana, and it took some years for this lake to fill again. It now appears to have its outlet (if it has any) at the east end of the lake. It has been stated that half the White Terraces were blown away at the time of the eruption, but this appears to be merely guesswork. Enough ash, etc., was thrown from Tarawera to bury the terraces at least 4ft deep (thus preserving them from damage), and it is only the action of the water in washing away this covering that is now bringing the terraces again into view. There cannot be any doubt but that the old crater of the Pink Terraces can be seen from a boat, and it is more than probable that the crater is still sending forth the hot water which originally formed the terraces, for there is no doubt the water is quite hot at the present time over the place where the terraces lie. Before the eruption the height of the water in Rotomahana Lake was nearly on a level with that of Tarawera Lake, being connected by a narrow channel, navigable for canoes. The eruption raised a hill of fully 120 ft high between Tarawera and Rotomahana Lakes ; the distance between Tarawera and Rotomahana Lakes is about half a mile, half of this distance being high land. The T;uawera Lake never altered its level ; the level of Rotomahana Lake is now about 100 ft above that of Tarawera. Before the eruption Lake Rotomahana's waters lapped the foot of the terraces. It should not be a very costly matter to again connect Lake Rotomahana with Tarawera Lake, thus bringing the former lake down to the level of the latter. It would then be an easy matter to locate the position of the terraces, now that so much of the ash has been washed off by the action of the water, as the lake gradually, although very slowly, rose to its present height. If a small start were made, in the way of a canal, the running water, especially in floodtime, would soon make a channel for itself and bring the lakes to a level, as the ash is very light and soon washes away. If this were done it should not be a very difficult undertaking to clear the covering of mud and ash off the terraces, using a fire engine to sluice the dirt from out the pools to avoid damaging the ten-aces. Even if the terraces were not eventually found a canal between Tarawera and Rotomahana would be of the greatest benefit to tourists, who could then boat from Wairoa, as in the old days, to of the terraces.. It is also possible, if Nature were assisted, to form new terraces if the crater is still sending out hot water. I have often heard it said that one of New Zealand's best assets was lost when the terraces were destroyed. Consider what a gold mine it would be at the present time if the lost terraces could be again found! All the world would Hock to our doors, for the news of the terraces having been destroyed was world-wide. Even the mere fact of stating the probability or their restoration would create a great influx of visitors. I am sure if the eruption had occurred in the United States of America those energetic and pushing people would liavo connected Rotomahana and Tarawera with a canal and unearthed the terraces, or whatever was left of them, within .a few years of the eruption. I. did not meet one Maori or pakeha during my late visit to this district who, having been to the terraces, had not come away assured in his own mind that the terraces are there awaiting the hand of man to unearth all their wonderful beauties to bask, glisten, and sparkle again in the light of day. Mr. Turner's letter in your issue of January 15 may have been fairly well thought out, but it is evident his assertions are open to " question—the geysers he mentions, especially " the Inferno" are ancient safety valves, probably in existence for many generations back. ; The age of the " Inferno" geyser can be ascertained to a certain degree by the surroundings and the state of the high cliff and rocks on the east side of it. Without doubt all the geysers within miles of Tarawera Mountain played at the time of the eruption with abnormal force. ' There is no rift in Tarawera Mountain which runs towards Lake Rotomahana, nor is there any sign of one on the west and south-west sides of the mountain, but at short intervals of about 200 yards from the large crater on

Tarawera, and running in a north-easterly direction from it, are numerous small craters, all of which are part of the great rift, and which it is quite apparent were all made ( by the eruption. These no doubt account for the continued explosions that were heard on tho night of the eruption. There is a fisure on the south side of the mountain, but more than half way down, but this fisure is no size or depth, and appears to be merely local. It also lies at right angles to, and would pass a considerable distance from, the east end of Lake Rotomahana. I cannot but think that the last place to be blown up would be Rotomahana Lake, with all the natural blowholes or safety valves going at once all round it. It appears to be very improbable that steam should adopt a course contrary to all known laws on this subject. It is very probable that the crater of the White and Pink Terraces would throw out large quantities of mud during the eruption (that is, assuring they were not blown up as some suppose), thus helping to bury themselves, and protecting them from further damage. _ It is interesting to note the grave expression on the faces of the Maoris as they listen to the wisdom of the pakeha, as he discusses the pros , and cons of the great 1886 eruption, and to watch the smile of contempt which comes across their faces when the white man talks of the blowing lip of Rotomahana and the terraces. During the awful terrors of that night the eruption was watched by numbers of anxious eves, and many lived to tell the tale, which mis been of the great Tarawera Mountain, and the awesome sight it was—no mention of the blowing up of Rotomahana is spoken of by the Maoris (so far as my experience goes, and I took considerable pains to draw them out on this subject). The water in a kettle does not boil immediately it is placed on the fire; water cannot be turned into steam in an instant. After the earth opened (probably due to an earthquake), and let the ■water run into the hot place below Lake Rotomahana. it would probably be some time before it was generated into steam with pressure enough to cause the eruption. During the time the pressure of steam would be generating it would be escaping from all tho natural vents, of which these parts abound, and no doubt many an extinct- geyser again played, before the enormous pressure was reached which caused the great and magnificent final outbursts of Tarawera Mountain. It appears to me most improbable that steam, which usually finds the easiest exit, should go out of its way to blow up Rotomahana Lake and the terraces. ■ One might just as reasonably expect the dome of p. boiler to blow off, instead of the steam escaping out of the safety valve when too much steam has been allowed to accumulate in the boiler. If the steam had not found a safety valve in the weak part and the north-eastern side of Tarawera Mountain a far more serious eruption would probably have been the result. The strength of', the mountain to withstand the steam pressure on the west and south-west sides is apparent by the fact that in spite of the shaking it underwent no rift was made, and 110 water was let out of Lake Tarawera, nor was its level altered., The highest point of the Tarawera Mountain is on the north side of the crater, and this also is the highest side of the crater. Those who know Mount Eden will remember that its highest point is on the south side of its crater. While I write I have the latest map of Rotorua. County before , me. I found a pocket compass most useful at Tarawera, as it enabled me to get the points mentioned herein.

It is wonderful how the trees and vegetation have recovered since the eruption. All round Lake Tarawera the trees are gradually creeping up the hills, and along the shores of the lake, and on the cliffs and rocks 'the pohutrukawa trees at this time, of the year may be seen blooming in all their glory. A very, little- expense in so\jdng the seed of the New Zealand bush on the bare hills and •parts, round Rotomahana and ' Tarawera (which have had the trees and, vegetation'. too deeply covered with ash to allow them to spring up again) would in a very few years make these lakes wondrouslv beautiful, as the warmth of the earth in these parts mokes the place most fertile, and flowers and trees will flourish luxuriantly with very little aid. I hope that this matter will not be allowed to remain asleep for another sixteen years, and that what is now barren will in a few years be clothed in Nature's beauties. Steps should be taken at once to sow the barren districts with the golden .wattle (or acacia) which would soon grow Ho maturity, and in a veiy few years could be stripped of their bark for tanning purposes. These trees in New South Wales are considered very valuable, and would bring in a large revenue from their bark. The common wattle is growing abundantly in and around Wairoa village. . C.J.li. suggested that subscriptions be started for the purpose of prospecting for the terraces. I shall be glad to subscribe when the time comes, but I think if the matter were properly brought before the notice of the Government that they would, in the interests of New Zealand as a whole, at once take steps to see if it is possible to recover our lost terraces. I trust, Mr. Editor, that this communication may lead to many others being written, no - matter if they are for or against the theory that the terraces are lost or to bo found, for the more this subject is ventilated the sooner will the necessary energy be aroused to induce the Government or private enterprise to place this matter beyond a doubt.

On this subject Mr. D. Griffiths, of Rotorua, writes : — , '

" Mercutio's" remarks in your supplement of your issue of Saturday last are very significant to the subject. As one of the party exploring the district for four days in October last — fact, the originator of the party—l ask you to allow me a voice in the matter. On the occasion I had with me litlio. plans, photos., and other papers pertaining to the matter (indeed, valuable press material which I have carefully preserved), both before and immediately after the sad catastrophe. ' ' * ' The White and Pink Terraces were before destruction about 100 ft above Lake Rotomahana, the latter being considerably below Lake Tarawera. The great rift caused by the volcanic eruption extended from Mount Wahanga beyond, and much higher than, Mount Tarawera, which is nearly 4000 ft high, right over the native village Te Ariki, and across Lake Rotomahana, taking in the White and Pink Terraces.

The Government of the day and the press pretty well conclusively proved that the terraces were a lost treasure for ever. Where the' White Terraces stood there is now not the least sign of thermal action, but in close proximity to the site of the Pink Terraces there is tremendous action, and scattered around on the high ground is what may; probably be the remains of the terraces. 1 .

However, much valuable information can be furnished by such gentlemen as Messrs. C. .Blomfield and Josiah Martin, of Auckland ; Capt. Mair and H. F. Way, of the Thames; also Mr. Henry Mitchell, Rotorua. With regard to Late Tarawera being 100 ft lower than Lake Rotomahana a few years ago the Government had a special survey, proving otherwise. Although we have lost the beautiful terraces we have much to compensate us in the great number of new wonderful sights and marvellous curative baths.