POHUTU GEYSER

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23083, 7 July 1938, Page 14

POHUTU GEYSER

INACTIVE FOR A YEAR WAIKITE PLAYS AGAIN [fbom ouk own coreespondent] ROTORUA, Wednesday Three shots by the noted Pohutu Geyser, in the Government thermal reserve at Whakarewarewa in May, 1937, are the only signs of activity shown by the vent for a period of over two years. For the past 12 months Pohutu has been, to all appearances, totally dead. Many visitors and overseas tourists have expressed disappointment that Pohutu has not played during their visit, but Waikite Geyser has taken a new lease of life in the past three or four months, thus, to a degree, compensating visitors to the reserve. The period of Pohutu's quiescence has coincided with the outbreak of two small unnamed geysers in close proximity to the larger vent. Although it is impossible to state definitely that the activity of these small holes has any connection with the quietness of Pohutu,. when the big geyser played in May of last year the other vents subsided.

The Waikite Geyser, which was famous for its spectacular and regular displays many years ago, has had an exceptionally long period of rest. Toward the end of March, however, the vent sent up small shots, which have been since steadily increasing in power and size. Playing on almost every day of the week, Waikito now sends plumes of boiling water 40ft. and 50ft. into the air.