SEISMOLOGICAL FORECASTS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVI, Issue 231, 30 September 1935, Page 6

SEISMOLOGICAL FORECASTS.

I wish to congratulate the "Auckland Star" in firing the first shot in the battle to minimise the loss of life by earthquakes and coal mining explosions. I refer to the forecast, published on September 21 under the heading of "'Quake Recorded." As was expected, a coal mine disaster occurred on the exact date predicted, September 12, 19 lives being lost, at Mapplcwell, Yorkshire. The prediction is based on tho inrush of nascent gas, the ignition, of course, depending on the human element. The Gresford colliery disaster of 1934, 201 killed, was also anticipated in a similar manner, also several later explosions, proof of which is available. The Rotorua geysers were likewise active on the date named, as also was the volcano on White Island, Bay of Plenty. This may seem extraordinary to the uninitiated, but the scientific correlation is easily understandable. All the data is now at hand for predicting, earthquakes, volcanoes, geysers, many landslips, falls in mines, quarries and tho inrush of nascent gas into coal mines and subsequent explosions. All that is required now to bring about the practical utility of the above discoveries is the co-operation of the bodies interested. This is only possible by the initiative of the Press. L. C. CHATFIELD.