EARTHQUAKES AND THEIR CAUSES.

Evening Star, Issue 20720, 17 February 1931, Page 7

EARTHQUAKES AND THEIR CAUSES.

TO TUB EDITOR

Sir, —There are many theories as to the cause of earthquakes, and probably many of them, arc somewhere near tho marie, but after careful study for some years I have come to tho conclusion that gas is tho cause of most earthquake and volcanic eruptions. I believe that in the proximity of Napier and Hastings there arc extensive oil fields, and that it is tho gas generated from these that is the immediate cause of the earthquake. At no distant date Tongariro, Ngaurulioo, and Ruapehu were active volcanoes, and the probability is that since these mountains became quiescent tlio gas lias been increasing in pressure, and, finding no outlet for escape, makes room for itself by lifting tho earth’s mist;, hence the earthquake. I would like to point out that wherever volcanic action is or has been oil wells have been found—for instance, in Persia, California, and in our own country near Mount Egmont. j would advise that the locality should bo estcnl thoroughly for oil wells.— ] am, etc., R. 'Wauxur, A.M.I.M.E. February 10.