Volcanic Steam Power.

There has been some discussion as to the possibility of making use of the enormous amount of steam power in our volcanic and hydro-thermal regions. The control of the thermal steam in various other parts of the world, such as Italy, and the utilising there of the power that rises from the heated regions below is pointed to as an example New Zealand might follow. Undoubtedly we have really illimitable steam energy in the wonder-country, which extends from Rotorua to Taupo and the Tongariro National Park. Karapiti fumarole, that amazing blowhole which discharges superheated steam ceaselessly, would in itself provide sufficient pressure to light and provide power to all the townships and settlements in the Taupo country. Such places as Tikitere and Ketetahi, to say nothing of Rotomahana and Whakarewarewa, could give the heart of the island all the power it needed, and render unnecessary the great hydro-electric works.

But there is the question of practicability. The steam power is there, it can be harnessed by skilful engineering, but is it worth while? Settlement is so scattered; there are no great industrial works in the thermal district to make a call on steam necessary. Some day, perhaps, it will be done—faihoa!

What can be done to control the hot-water pipes of the underworld has been shown on a small scale at Rotorua. The small geysers which play in the Government Gardens there were taken in hand some forty years ago by Mr. Malfroy, who was Government engineer in the Spa town, and he, by an ingenious system of pipe-laying, so tamed the little puias that they now play constantly, a novel and charming spectacle for visitors to that green garden-park.

However, we need be in no haste to reduce our wonderful geysers and fumaroles to a condition of exasperated servitude for man's needs. One would hate to travel a region where everything was harnessed and made to drive wheels or light towns. And geysers and fumaroles have an impatient way with them which might at times fracture the engineer's machinery in a disconcerting manner.