BLOWOUT IN CREEK

Stratford Evening Post, Volume II, Issue 224, 20 April 1933, Page 6

BLOWOUT IN CREEK

Persistent Working 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 blowout was a loud report that startled residents and was sufficient to shake buildings in the vicinity. On 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 on 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 rapidly 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 dough. 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. Sheep 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 has not lost any sheep in the mud he finds it necessary to keep a close watch. The stickiness of the mud makes it very difficult to remove, and sheep that have been bogged are easily distinguishable for a long time afterwards.