’WARE EARTHQUAKES

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 7, 30 March 1927, Page 1

’WARE EARTHQUAKES

EXPERTS URGE PRECAUTIONS DANGEROUS FIFTY YEARS AHEAD Seismologists meeting in Well ington believe that precautionary measures should be taken in regard to building construction, and in other directions, in view of the possibility of severe earthquakes during the next half-century.

Press Association WELLINGTON, To-day. It appears to be generally agreed by seismologists that the chances are even for New Zealand to have a really good earthquake within the next halfcentury, and in view of this probability has gone past the stage of possibility. A suggestion has been made privately that precautionary organisation measures should be undertaken quietly in places like Wellington, which would be severely punished by a big shake. A conference upon seismological matters generally as affecting the Dominion -vas held here yesterday and attended by Professor Farr, Christchurch,' Professor Burbidge, Auckland, Professor Somerville, Dr. C- E. Adams and Dr. Marsden. The meeting discussed observatories, particu-

larly in relation to seismology, which is regarded as highly interesting in view of the vague prediction by an American expert. Professor Bailey Willis, and took steps towards securing such information as would be necessary in predicting coming trouble, of which the professors say there is no anticipatio nat present. It is understood that recent seismological investigations have given close attention to fault lines, oiie of which runs across Cook’s Strait, and a fault materially to increase annual expenline map is being prepared. Seismologists, although not desiring diture. wish to be assured that the money being spent is in the right direction, and the type of instruments used are most useful in the circumstances.