MOUNTAINS IN ERUPTION

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22487, 4 February 1935, Page 10

MOUNTAINS IN ERUPTION

THREE AT ONE TIME PRONOUNCED ACTIVITY REPORTED {Per United Press Association.) WELLINGTON, February 3. Preceded by a terrific thunderstorm with forked lightning over the mountains, Ngauruhoe began to erupt shortly after 2.30 yesterday afternoon, according to telephone advice by Mr Cobbe, manager of The Chateau, Tongariro. Mr Cobbe stated that Ngauruhoe shot up a column of smoke to a height of 4000 feet and appeared to be becoming more active every minute. Tongariro was also active. The eruption continued throughout the afternoon, and at dusk on Saturday night a remarkable manifestation was displayed on Kuapehu, where dense clouds of steam were, seen rising from the lake on the mountain top. Ngauruhoe was playing to a height of 2000 feet, and Ketetahi, on Tpngariro, was also displaying marked signs of activity. Mr Cobbe said this is the first time in four years that the three mountains have shown such pronounced activity at the same period. The eruption of Ngauruhoe reached a height of 4000 feet. This was not so high as was recorded four weeks ago, but since December 9 the whole range has shown more activity than for many years. To-day was misty and rain was falling over the mountains, and it was difficult to estimate what was happening, •although Mr Cobbe believed the eruption was continuing. If the weather clears to-morrow a party, including some visitors, will make an ascent of Ngauruhoe to investigate. No shocks were experienced on this occasion at The Chateau. ' (' ' ■ '