ERUPTION OF TONGARIRO.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1290, 19 November 1896, Page 39

ERUPTION OF TONGARIRO.

To Mare, 4990 ft, one of tho cones of Tongariro Alountain, lias broken out in active eruption. The following telegram has been received by Air W. Gray, Secretary of tho Post and Telegraph Department, from the Postmaster at Taupo : ‘‘To Alare, a low cone of Tongariro, though recently active, commenced an extraordinary eruption about midday. “ A largo column of steam and smoke and a cloud of red ashes are reported to be seen some 20 miles north-west of here.

“ Eruption started again about 3 p.m., con* tinuing until dusk.” Auckland, November 13.

At 10.40 to-day a slight earthquake shock was experienced at Taupo, bub the direction was undiscerniblo. At 12.40 Te Mare, ;<■ steam hole on Tongariro, burst into violent eruption, omitting an immense volume ot steam and tho smoko rising to a great height, travelling against the wind. It presented a grand spectacle, during which Ngaruahoo was in active eruption, lasting about 31 minutes. It was a beautifully fine day, and the clear atmosphere gave an uninterrupted view. A cloud containing red ashes travelled in the direction of Atimuri, and was seen there at three o’clock. Another eruption took place, which is evidently continuing (4 o’clock), but t l ie wind causes the smoke to obscure it. Ruapehu also appeared to be emitting a small column of steam. To Alare was similarly active about four years ago.

The Tongariro Alountain, situated to tho southward of Lake Taupo, consists of a group of distinct volcanic cones, and Te Mare is one of these. Tho craters of Ngauruhoe, tin Red Crater and Te JMaro are tho three vents from which the latest discharges of lava have taken place. These craters arc ail active.