New Zealand's North Island is rich in underground steam pockets that are now being explored by scientists in an attempt to harness the natural pressure fore electric power. The Wairakei region, which has long been a tourist attraction and has a large hotel, is one of the areas that is being drilled with test bores. The roar of the escapingsteam us so great that it would keep hotel guests awake, thus a giant muffler has been placed on each test bore to lessen the noise. The volume of sound is reduced by allowing the steam to expand before escaping.

Photo is dated 1953.

Photo measures 7 x 9 inches.