WHITE ISLAND CRATERS

Taranaki Daily News, 17 August 1933, Page 5

WHITE ISLAND CRATERS

NEW ACTIVE CENTRE.

VIEWS FROM AEROPLANE.

The existence of a new crater formed in the old lake bed on White Island was observed on Tuesday from an aeroplane piloted by Captain J. D. Hewitt. A large column of sulphurous smoke was issuing from the new crater, the action in which was equally as violent as in the old crater, which has been active for some years. The island has undergone considerable change since the disastrous eruption in 1914, which caused the loss of a number of lives.

What appeared from the air to be molten sulphur could be seen pouring over the ledge of the eld landing and discolouring the sea for a considerable distance. The large gannet rockery was deserted.

The aeroplane left Opotiki in the morning and a direct flight of 40 miles was made to the island, where some splendid photographs were secured from a height of about 3000 ft. It was not possible to fly directly over the island owing to the sulphurous nature of the smoke.

The flight was continued to Mayor Island, north of Tauranga, where more photographs were secured. Large patches of shellfish and numerous porpoises could be seen in the vicinity of the island.

Tire aeroplane then returned to the mainland and landed at Poroporo, near Whakatane, after a flight of 130 miles over tire sea, the trip having occupied li hours.