Spectacular Appearance In 1912

Elusive Falcon

Letter to the Editor I WAS much interested to read, in the March “PIM,” the article about elu sive Falcon Island—that island in the Tongan group which, as a result of volcanic action, keeps on rising high above the sea and then disappearing un der the sea for a time.

In 1912, when I was aboard the Oceanic liner, “Sonoma,” we passed close to Fal con Island, which was then a volcano high out of the water, in full emotion.

Vomiting flames and pumice, it gave a marvellous display. 'Captain Trask made a special report on the phenomenon to his company, which attracted attention from mariners and geologists, as the island had been alternately appearing and disappearing below the surface of the ocean for over 200 years.

Soon after the above spectacular ap pearance of Falcon, I was surprised to read in a Sydney newspaper that it had again disappeared from view. Although, for some years subsequently, the “Sonona” continued to pass over the same spot in the Tongas, we never sighted land in the vicinity of Falcon again.

I am, etc.,

Oscar G. Nordman.

Tahiti, 16/6 49.