Secrets of the Soil

Wresting secrets from the soil is part of the daily routine of Mr W. A. Pullar, who is carrying out a survey of this district for the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research. He is mapping the physical and chemical properties of soil in various parts of Poverty Bay.

He recently discovered shells embedded in a bank at Upper Stout Street, 32ft above sea level. Study of the shells may help trace the evolution of sea life on the east coast.

In the same bank is a layer of pumice, left by an eruption — "the Taupo shower" — about 200AD.

Mr Fullar believes Gisborne is ideally situated, because it is built on comparatively poor soil, leaving the rich flats for cultivation.