The Supposed Eruption.

Southland Times, Issue 11901, 24 November 1891, Page 2

The Supposed Eruption.

[By Telegraph.] Tauranga, Nov. 21. Rumours have been set afloat of a volcanic eruption at Plate Island. The rumour is probably due to a few earth tremors felt in the Bay of Plenty during the past day or two. A fire on the rock was kindled by a fishing and mutton bird-catchiDg party of natives, who went there on Thursday.: There is not the slightest apparent foundation for the statement, and no visiblo indication whatever of an eruption. The earth tremors appear to have originated in the Hot Lakes district. A chimney was cracked at Tepuke yesterday, and a little crockery was smashed, but no serious damage was done. Auckland, Nov. 21. The Auckland Star's correspondent at Tauranga telegraphs that Capt. Stein of the steam tender Katikati reports that Plate Island, in the Bay of Plenty, burst out at five o'clock yesterday, and when he passed last night the island was throwing up fire balls and smoke, making a grand sight. Plate Island is situated ten mUes from the entrance to Maketu, and is half a mile long. It is believed to be the top of a submerged volcano. So far as is known there were four earthquakes at Rotorua from Wednesday till noon yesterday. It is believed that these are connected with the outbreak. News has been received from Tauranga that the story of the eruption at Plate Island has no foundation in fact. Earthquake shocks were felt in the locality, but there has been nothing approaching a volcanic out-