EARTHQUAKE PROSPECTS

Hokitika Guardian, 10 September 1929, Page 2

EARTHQUAKE PROSPECTS

CABINET PROPOSALS. WELLINGTON, Sept. 7. Interviewed to-day regarding the recent announcement, by Mr Roibinson and, Professor C. C. Farr, F.R.S., that earthquakes can be predicted, the Hon Air Atmore, Minister for Scientific and Industrial Research, stated that the matter had been carefully considered by the Observatory Committee of the Research Council, and proposals were at present before Cabinet for adequately’ dealing with the whole question of ‘ observations in regard to earthquakes. Two members of the committee, Professor Sommcrville' and Dr C. E‘. Adams, bad been asked to investigate and report on a method oF predicting earthquakes, based on- tidal action on the plastic, interior of the earth. Arrangements had been made also for the obtaining of certain tilt instruments which had proved efficient in Japan in forecasting earthquakes, while the Lands and Survey Department and other Departments concerned had been asked to initiate precise levelling and surveying measurements, particularly in the neighbourhood of active faults, and arrange for periodic resurveys as required. Presumably, such levelling and surveying could not be carried out for every small fault over the whole of Now Zealand, but possibly sufficient evidence might be forthcoming to indicate the development of any strain in the crust, swell as bad preceded the . .earthquakes in California and Japan.

The Minister remarked that the measurements of level in the Murchison ai-ea, carried out by the Public Works Department since the last earthquake, had indicated extremely interesting results.