EXPLORING THE URIWERA.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XIV, Issue 4769, 21 January 1887, Page 2

EXPLORING THE URIWERA.

THE RESULT OF THE ERUPTION. [FROM OUK OWN COKKESrONDENT.] Rot.okua, to-day. Messrs Mackay (Government geologist), Hamilton, and Large reached here from Wairoa yesterday after a successful trip through the Uriwera country by way of Waikaremoana, Ruatahuna, and Ahikarau and Galatea. Mr Mackay ascertained some important facts with reference to the geology of the Uriwera country. He is also of opinion that Waikaremoana is one of the most beautiful and picturesque lakes in the colony, and is sure that when known it will be a great attraction to tourists. On the way from Galatea the party visiled the scene of the recent volcanic eruption. Mr Hamilton and Mr Large ascending the top of Tarawera and Ruatapu mountains for making sketches of the craters and collecting specimens, etc. They found the craters quiescent still, only emitting steam, except at the crater end of the great rift in Tarawera which occasionally sends out smoke or volcanic dust accompanied with rumbling. The great rift extending from Tarawera to beyond the site formerly occupied by Rotomahana now consists of a chain of small lakes — some apparently hot and boiling in places. Two large craters which threw out such immense quantities of rocks and stone up to 20 tons in weight are now fillod with water and quiescent except for slight ebullition in places. Lake Tarawera still remains dirty and muddy in color. Tho scenn is one of utter ruin and desolation. It is difficult to get round about Rotomahana, the localities being completely changed and entirely different from what they were buforo. No doubt tho main attraction of tliu hot lake district is gone.