Interpretation Of Local Scenery: Evolution Of Landscapes Discussed

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 11, Issue 92, 24 October 1947, Page 4

Interpretation Of Local Scenery: Evolution Of Landscapes Discussed

Displaying 90 of his own pictures of scenery around Whakatane and using them to illustrate points in his address, Mr W. Dreghorn lectured to Monday night’s meeting of the Whakatane Parent-Teacher Association on the interpretation of local scenery. He showed the evolution of the present topography and landscape of the district in relation to the build-up of the North Island in the past. By an explanation of the geological history of the area, supported by the exhibition of various kinds of local rocks, it was shown how the beauty of the local scenery was made up of a series of contrasts —plains, waterfalls, rivers, steep cliffs, pretty bays around the Heads and Ohope—all the result of varying kinds of structure of the rocks and varying rock types. For example, Mr Dreghorn said, the dominating feature of the landscape was the long line of cliffs bounding the Whakatane Plains, caused by a great fracture in a series of rocks which form the basement of the whole area, giving a legacy today of occasional earthquake shocks as it adjusts itself. The vast deposits of volcanic ash, he said, had buried foi’mer landscapes and it was believed that Lake Taupo must have been one of the craters which gave rise to these great coverings of pumice ash. It was most interesting to note how the enormous volcanic plateau which dominates the North Island is very extensive to the North and North East of Taupo.’ The strongest and most energetic wind for the past million years must have been the southerly wind.

This -in turn' meant that an enormous amount of volcanic ash must be on the sea floor in the Bay of Plenty. Hence the sea currents in the Bay had plenty of material to build up off-shore bars, close up the rivers, and create natural lagoons. In the past 10,000,000 years there had obviously been tremendous' and widespread volcanic activity. The meeting drew an attendance of over • 70, including visitors from other schools. The social side of the evening was considerably enhanced by ’cello solos played by Mr Anderof Awakeri School, accompanied by Mrs~'F:~Lys?. ght,

The Association hopes to have, vocational guidance officers in attendance at the December meeting, giving an opportunity for a matter of vital importance to parents of pupils nearing school leaving age to be discussed.