THE ERUPTION AT TONGA.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 762, 8 October 1886, Page 20

THE ERUPTION AT TONGA.

(UNITED DRESS- ASSOCIATION.)-

Auckland, October 6-.

The Arawata which arrived this morning brines further details of the earthquake which has °ocsurred‘ at Miafu. The eruption commenced at one side of a lake which is formed in the centre of the island. On the I2fch August a most severe earthquake was felt, aud a large fissure was made in some of the rocks. On the 30th of August a great number of shocks were felt, until half past one oa the 31st, when tbe eruption commenced with a tremendous report. The terrified Natives iamediately bft their respective villages.mid fled to the mountains. The volcano continued in active operation for several days, throwing up vast quantities of sand and stones. A mount of considerable height has been formed in the lake, aud many millions of tons of sand have beeu deposited upon the island, varying in depth from a few inches to several fathoms. The whole scene presents a m»3t desolate appearance. Fruit trees hive bean destroyed, and the falling sand and-water have seriously affected the bread fruit trees. Ihe whol6 of the larger trees tiavo been literally crushed down by the quantity of sand which has fallen upon the branches. Many of the houses have been broken down by the weight of sand resting upon them. The outlook is a cheerless one, and many of the Natives would leave at once if they could. It is expected that when the King makes his annual visit many will be removed to other places. The Premier has made arrangements for an early supply of food to be distributed. The volcanic eruption at Miafu took place on the same day (31st August) as severe earthquakes are reported to have occurred in the United States of America and ia some parts of southern Europe. Tbe cantaiu of the Suva acted nobly in aiding the suffering islanders. The arrival of the steamer at Miafu filled the hearts of the peop'e with gladness. The escape of tbe inhabitants seems to have beeu little less than marvellous. Captain Dodd, of the Suva, found the Natives huddled together at one end of tbe island iu a t 't*te of great terror, and anxious to leave tbe place as speedily as possible. There was then, however, no immediate danger, and the Suva returned to Fiji after leaving the Natives all the provisions that could be spared. The Tongan schooner Sandfly was te proceed to Miafu as speedily as possible with a farther supply* and the Suva will follow her on her second trip to tbe island. Captain Dodd h.?s forwarded to Mr Pond, chemist, of Auckland, a quantity of dust obtained from Miafu. Tbe dust is very similar to that obtained from Tarawera after- the eruption there, except that it ia heavier and of a darker color. •