ERUPTION OF MUD

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21470, 19 April 1933, Page 12

ERUPTION OF MUD

BLOW-OUT AT CHEVIOT CONTINUES FOR FOUR YEARS A blow-out in the Leamington Creek bed at Cheviot appeared about four years ago, and its persistent working does not fail still to interest residents and visitors. The first intimation of the blow-out was a loud report that startled residents and was sufficient to shake buildings in the vicinity. 011 investigation it was found that an area of mud, covering about half an acre in extent, had suddenly appeared in the bed of the Leamington Creek 011 Mr. A. W. Sloss' property. The mud was very black and extremely sticky, it was cold and gave off a sulphurous smell and was working actively from the centre. Investigators approaching too close found themselves rn.pidly becoming bogged and were forced to retreat. The eruption continued active and mud oozed up from the middle of the pool until it resembled a large pan of working black lough. With the first fresh in the creek the mud was washed away, but it still continues to ooze up in different places near the vicinity of the first eruption. Shoe]) crossing the affected area often become bogged and have to be drawn out. It was very difficult to fence that particular area, and although Mr. Sloss Ins not lost any sheep in tho mud he finds it necessary to keep a close watch. The stickiness of the mud I makes it very difficult to remove, and | sheep that have been bogged are easily distinguishable for a long time afterwards.