HOUSE IN MERRY MOOD

Timaru Herald, Volume CLVIII, Issue 23317, 28 September 1945, Page 4

HOUSE IN MERRY MOOD

Question Concerning Ruapehu Misbehaviour Not Due To Government (N.Z.P.A.) WELLINGTON, Sept. 27. Unusuual merriment convulsed the House of Representatives lor a few minutes this afternoon during the asking and answering of a question concerning Ruapehu. Mr W. J. Broadfoot (National, Waitomo), in an urgent question, asked the Minister in Charge of Scientific and Industrial Research (the Hon. D. G. Sullivan) whether consideration had been given to the possibility of the raising of the level of Lake Taupo being responsible for the recent abnormal activity of Mount Ruapehu. Mr Broadfoot asked if it was not a fact that since the level of the lake had been raised the hot pools on the road along the lake had risen to the hillside among the houses of the Maori people. Had the Minister’s attention been drawn to the recent statement ot Mr A. C. Beck, of the Geological Survey, that the activity of the mountain was increasing? Mr Broadfoot asked the Minister to have the possibility referred to investigated without delay.

“In the first place I wish to apologise on behalf of the Government for the misbehaviour of the mountain,” said Mr Sullivan, rising to reply. Mr W. J. Polson (National. Stratford) : It is showing its utter contempt for Government control.

Mr Sullivan said the secretary of the Scientific and Industrial Research Department advised that an investigation of the relationship between the raising of the level of the Lake Taupo and the eruption of Ruapehu had been made and was being studied by the staff of the Geological Survey Office. From investigations carried out on the spot the relationship was regarded as remote, nevertheless the possibility could not entirely be ruled out. even though it was considered most unlikely. The Rt. Hon P. Fraser: All we have to do is to lower the lake and the mountain will stop. Mr J. Thorn (Govt.. Thames): Open the sluice gates. Mr Sullivan said that since the level of the lake was raised and the eruption of Ruapehu commenced officers of the Geological Survey, in association with others with long experience in the district, had examined the location and activity of the hot springs in the districts immediately surrounding Lake Taupo. These investigations indicated no rise in the levels or activities of the hot springs in this region. “Volcanic eruptions occur in spasms, periods of activity and quiescence succeeding each other fairly rapidly,” continued Mr Sullivan. Mr Polson: Could not the hon. member substitute the word “convulsions”? Mr Speaker: The hon. member is in order. When the laughter subsided Mi- Sullivan said Ruapehu's eruptions followed the course mentioned, and as officers of the Geological Survey furnished periodical bulletins concerning the eruption, they reported day to day changes. The activity of Ruapehu and all the influences likely to be associated with it were at present under continuous investigation by the Geological Survey. Mr- Fraser: They are being kept steadily in view. Mr Sullivan said special instruments were now being assembled and would soon be installed in appropriate locations in the district to provide further information concerning any earth movements which might occur. From observations on the spot and from recordings already made in the district there was nothing to indicate any reason for expecting a marked increase of volcanic activity in the region.