Across Waimangu in a Boat.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXXI, Issue VIII, 22 August 1903, Page 558

Across Waimangu in a Boat.

THE FEAT PERFORMED. (By Telesraph.—Own Correspondent.) ROTORUA, August 11. The crossing of the great Waimangu geyser, never before performed by man, was successfully achieved yesterday by Mr Warbrick, a Government guide, and Mr Buckridge, mate of the yacht Tilikum. The announcement of the contemplated trip aroused a feeling of interest and excitement among the residents and tourists in the Rotorua district, and a large crowd assembled at the geyser side to witness the event. Some of the sightseers went out to Waimangu on Sunday morning and spent the day and night in the vicinity. Messrs Warbrick and Buckridge were among them. The small open-boat arrived early yesterday

morning. There was an eruption of the geyser at one o'clock yesterday morning, the shots varying in height from 250 ft to 800 ft. The last shot of all reached the greatest height, and occurred about 6.30. The previous performance had occurred about 8 o’clock on Saturday night. Monday morning’s display caused a dense cloud of steam to envelope the geyser, which still existed at 1.30 when the little boat and its two daring occupants was pushed off. Mr Warbrick rowed, and they were soon buried in the steam cloud-They were lost to view for about ten minutes, except for occasional glimpses as they approached the banks for a few seconds, and during that time they were taking soundings and temperatures at different spots. They spent twelve minutes altogether on the lake, during which they pulled right across, besides going round in circles. The greatest depth discovered was 48 feet. The water measurements of the geyser were found to be 80 yards broad and 134 yards long. Both men were very warm when they had finished, owing to the heat of the water and the steam. The line with which the measurements were taken was almost too hot to handle, and the sash weights used in sounding were too warm to hold after the boat had been hauled up the hill. Both men were cheered on landing, and many of those present shook hands with them.