VOLCANO OF MATAVANU IN SAVATT. 
025 
Vol. 66.] 
it with fresh sheets of lava; at other times, the surface frequently 
tioateci up and was raised by the intrusion of fresh lava under¬ 
neath, so that what had previously been the course of the valley 
now became the highest part of the field. Mr. Williams thinks 
that the lava must be in some places 400 feet thick. 
In the beginning of September 1906 the lava-flows near the 
seacoast extended considerably farther eastwards, probably a mile. 
The mouth of the river was blocked, and the village of Sataputu, 
including a Catholic Church and Mission House, w T as overwhelmed. 
The lagoon, which was in places 30 feet deep, was filled up, the 
passage into it was blocked, and the coast-line pushed seawards 
about 300 feet. The total length of sea-front covered at different 
times by the lava was nearly 9 miles ; and, from the westernmost 
point inland near Olonouo to Sataputu the easternmost, not less 
than 15 miles. 
On August 7th, 1908, Mr. Williams noted that the lava continued 
to run strongly into the sea, having only stopped for one day ; it 
directed its course chiefly towards Le Ala Tele, in the former 
position of Toapaipai, and the promontory of Asuisui. 
f Tidal 5 Waves. 
It is interesting to note that several so-called ‘ tidal ’ waves have 
occurred during the eruption. The following were noticed at 
Matautu by Amtmann Williams : : — 
November 28th, 1906 . 5.30 p.m. 
June 8th, 1907 . at noon. 
dune 19th, 1907 . 3 a.m. 
June 27th, 1907 . between 6 & 7 r.M. 
July 9th, 1907 . 6.45 p.m. 
July 25 th, 1907 . 11 a.m. 
The tide usually rises and falls about 4 feet at Matautu. Most 
of these wa\ r es did not exceed 6 to 8 feet in height, and as many 
of them occurred at low or half-tide, and there was no heavy sea 
on at the time, little damage was done, although in several cases the 
main road of the town was flooded. The largest and most important 
of the series was that on Sunday, October 6th, 1907, about 5.30 p.m. 
It was just at the time of high water, but the sea was smooth. The 
wave was 10 or 12 feet high : it came from the north-east round the 
lava-point, as in fact the others had done, and at the Deutsche 
Handels & Plantagen Gesellschaft’s place a boat-house was wrecked, 
a buggy in it smashed, and several boats were damaged ; while, 
at a bouse a few score vards off, a 400-gallon tank of water was 
lifted bodily from its foundation and carried across the road. The 
wave appears to have spent itself here and, it was thought, probably 
rebounded out to sea. No damage was done at the Government 
Offices, 150 yards distant, nor in either direction along the coast. 
The wave was noticed, but of smaller size, in some of the other 
islands. At Apia it had a height of only 1 or 2 feet. It was 
probably connected with the lava falling into the sea, but the exact 
cause was uncertain. Possibly it was due to a steam-explosion. 
