AERIAL SURVEY

Hokitika Guardian, 9 December 1929, Page 7

AERIAL SURVEY

EARTHQUAKE AREAS. LANDING GROUNDS FOUND. CHRISTCHURCH, Dec. 6. The expedition made by C aptain M. W. Hurley, 0.0. Wig ram Aerodrome, in search of emergency landing grounds on that portion of the West Coast which will shortly bo the subject of an aerial survey, has been successful. Captain Buckley, who returned on Wednesday night, assured a “Times” reporter that a ’plane working in any part of the district would be within striking distance of a good emergency landing ground. “Ami that will be a very satisfactory feeling” be added. The projected survey, which will he made by Air Force ’planes on behalf of the Geological Survey Department, will be over a large area from the Hcnphy River in the north down to south of the Buller, and the back of the Murchison district. Photographic and other data covering various features left by the big earthquake will be the object.

Captain Buckley left Christchurch on Saturday night by car, and engaged ill n thorough search of the district lor emergency landing grounds. His investigations were rewarded to the extent mentioned. The grounds selected are mainly parts of riverbed flats, and valleys between ridges of hills, which have been cultivated. They are well distributed, and will lend security to the aerial survey. The grounds would not he suitable as a base from which to work, as they all lie in such a position in the hills that the- wind could not he depended on at all times. There are three convenient emergency landing grounds in the immediate vicinity of Murchison, others lying near the Owen River, the Mangles River, the head of the Mokiliinui River, the Karamea River and the Heaphy River. “They are working very hard on restoration, and accomplishing great things,” said Captain Buckley, “but there is still a tremendous amount left to do. For example, they cannot yet get from Murchison direct to Inangalum, hut have to make a very long detour back before curving right down to Reefton, thence up to Inangaliua.

“The most remarkable thing among the after effects of the earthquake is Lake Matakitaki, formed when a slip blocked the Matakitaki River near Murchison. There you can see a big lake, with roof tops and trees sticking up above the water level. That was the slip which buried two families.”

The survey will he undertaken as soon as is expedient.