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Southland Times, Issue 23229, 18 June 1937, Page 8

The fact that some species of eel hibernate for more or less lengthy periods is realized by naturalists and other observers, but it is not generally realized that eels can work their way up through at. least a yard of clay and resume their normal routine, says The Auckland Star. Last week the contractors for reconstructing and sealing the Great South road were cutting across the road a few chains north of Te Awamutu borough boundary, in order to straighten the Mangapiko stream. In the preparatory work several loads of clay were tipped over the bank of the stream just where the new cut is to be made. Next day, while an inspection was being made of the work, some unusual “thermal” commotion was noticed, and suddenly a miniature geyser erupted from the middle of the patch of clay. To the surprise of everybody, a large eel popped up, scarred and obviously the worse for wear, and quickly slithered into the running stream. Within a minute or so three smaller eels followed the leader. Apparently they had been under the bank when the clay was tipped, and had spent the best part of 24 hours working their way up to daylight and so to liberty.