ROTORUA ERUPTIONS

Greymouth Evening Star, 31 July 1933, Page 5

ROTORUA ERUPTIONS

“WITHIN NEXT 100 YEARS” OBSERVATORY URGED [PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.] AUCKLAND, July .31. After several weeks’ study of the New Zealand thermal region, Dr. H. T. Stearns, of the United States Geological Survey, strongly advocates the establishment, near Rotorua, of a volcanic observatory, properly equipped to register signs of any increase in thermal activity, and so make possible the prediction of further eruptions. He said he was impressed by the fact that several of the hot mountains in the Rotorua district, for instance. Rainbow Mountain, were really active volcanoes. Anyone who had a good look at the Frying Pan Flat, must gain the impression of pent-up forces, ready at any time for another outburst. In fact, he was inclined to think there was every possibility of another eruption at Tarawera, if not several eruptions, occurring in the next hundred years. That was why he suggested the establishment of a volcano observatory. It was perfectly possible to predict volcanic eruptions. Professor J. A. Bartrum. geologist of the University College, commented that it was impossible either to afiirm or deny that another eruption might occur at Tarawera. It should be pointed out that Dr. Stearns did not say he actually saw portents of that eruption imminent. His remarks were far more general than that. Professor Bartrum said the value of a volcanic observatory was unquestioned. To neglect the precautions, which science now placed at our disposal, was to be content to live in a fool’s paradise.