THERMAL DANGERS.

Auckland Star, Issue 17, 21 January 1932, Page 9

THERMAL DANGERS.

LESSONS FROM THE PAST. WATER DIVINER'S ADVICE. PRECAUTIONS AT ROTORUA. (From Our Own Correspondent.) ROTORUA, Wednesday. Some interesting information regarding the recent thermal outburst on the shore's of Lake Rotorua was given to a "Star" representative to-day by Mr. A. G. Thompson, the well-known water diviner. He said that about four years ago he traced a big "fault," or fracturc, from Whakarewarewa across Cemetery Road out into the lake. At the spot in the lake where the "fault" ended the blowout had apparently occurred. When the blowout at Ngapuna occurred some time back Mr. Thompson visited the locality and found that two fractures were running from this big "fault" right over to Ngapuna, which actually constitutes the junction of the two fractures. At that time Ngapui.a geyser was in a swamp a short distance from the junction of the fractures. When he went over the ground it appeared quite safe and he saw a horse an I visitors cross over the junction. But as a result of his investigations he warned the Maoris of the pa that the place was very dangerous. The streams beneath the surface were working very violently at the junction and he expressed the opinion that everyone should keep away from the spot, and to ensure more safety advised the erection of a fence around the area. Two whares were erected upon land lying between the two streams and he strongly advised tncir abandonment. His warning with regard to the fence, Mr. Thompson said, was disregarded, but fortunately the blowout which occurred a day or two later on thi junction of the fractures took place in the early morning when no one was about. He was not a bit surprised at what happened, as the two streams were always working violently underneath and constituted, a constant. .danger.

Mr. Thompson said he understood that natives still occupied one of the wharcs mentioned, its situation being a little further back from the junction than its neighbour. The Maoris, perhaps, thought that they were perfectly safe, as the junction was some little distance from where the blowout occurred. It might be a case of blissful ignorance, but i! they realised the danger they were i:; they would not be able to get away from the whares quick enough, as a blow - out might occur at any time. No doubt was expressed by Mr Thompson regarding the blowout which occurred this week.. It was, apparently, right on the line of the big fvactr."" which ran into the lake. The earth crust and floor of the lake was, evidently, weak in that vicinity and any alteration in pressure owing to the failing or rising of the water level of the lake, might causo a blowout at any time. While there was no cause for apprehension rf anything serious, ho was definitely of opinion that visitors should approach tlio locality with caution. Signs sliottid be erected giving warning of possible danger, and if this work were undertaken lie would be quite willing to ass'i.-t the authorities in locating unsafe areas.