THE ERUPTION OF NGAURUHOE.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume IX, Issue 9, 27 February 1892, Page 197

THE ERUPTION OF NGAURUHOE.

The recollection of the [eruption of Monnt Tarawera and the destraction of the terraces have not yet been forgotten in New Zealand, especially by the inhabitants of the North Island, where the traces of volcanic action are so recent, and the centre of which abounds in volcanic activities of the most pronounced character. Recently the one live volcano of New Zealand has by a fresh outbreak reminded the people of this colony of the menacing possibilities in their neighbourhood. Overlooking the beautiful lake of Taupo in a region made waste by the fiery influences of the past stand the three mountains Tongariro, Ruapehu, and Ngauruhoe. Of these, though Tongariro enjoys the title of the Smoking Mountain, this in reality belongs to its neighbour Ngauruhoe, which is distinguished from it by its greater height and its peculiarly marked cone. In the two illustrations accompanying this notice the condition of Ngauruhoe when in activity is depicted. About three weeks the natives from Orakei, Karako, reported that a hot spring at Tarawera had suddenly burst into dame and had thrown up a considerable quantity of volcanic ashes and stones. It then subsided. At the same time Ngauruhoe, was displaying unusual activity. The whole mountain became hot, and from one of the craters in Ngauruhoe was discharged blue flames accompanied with black ashes. At 4.30. in the morning of Sunday, the 7th of February a native named Heta was passing under the base of the mountain when bis horse suddenly stopped and displayed great fear. The mountain became agitated accompanied with a heavy rumbling noise. Suddenly a dense volume of flame and black smoke and volcanic stones and ashes shot up high into the air and threatened to overwhelm Heta, but a strong breeze of wind rose and carried the glowing mass to the westward. The ashes commenced to fall here about 6.30 am., thus covering an area of over forty miles in this direction alone. During the day Ngauruhoe belched forth tremendous quantities of black smoke at intervals, and as seen from here the sight was a magnificent one. All day on February the Bth the mountain was covered with smoke, and nothing could be seen of what was happening within its vicinity. About 4.47 a.m. on Tuesday the 9th a heavy earthquake took place which lasted about thirteen seconds, and was followed by heavy booming from the Tongariro. The mountain was then sending up steam and smoke to a tremendous height.