STREET GEYSER

Dominion, Volume 31, Issue 270, 11 August 1938, Page 12

STREET GEYSER

Water Shoots Above High Buildings

ESCAPE THROUGH FIRE PLUG

Spectacular Display Near

Post Office

Shooting more than too feet into (be air, a geyser, eclipsing any in New Zealand’s thermal regions, began playing opposite J. H. Bethune and Company's Building, near the Post Office, Wellington, at about 11.40 o’clock last night.

The water was soaring into the air witli terrific force from a lire plug, and was higher than any of the surrounding buildings. One who saw the start of the display said (lie water began to shoot in the air when, with a small click, the top of the fire-plug was blown off. The water mounted slowly, until it reached a height of more than 100 feet. A small knot of bystanders quickly gathered, to be kept amused by the usual wits.

"Why go to Rotorua?” asked oue. “That reminds me; I left my bathroom tap running.” said another. Though the fire brigade and the citycouncil were notified, it was not until about 12.20 this morning that the geyser was finally got under control. The geyser started because of the breakage of the hydrant on a 21in 1 main. It was quelled when the water was turned off in the surrounding area. Men then started to repair the main.