1953 Press Photo Trees covered in dust in Wairakei on New Zealand's North Island

Wairakei, New Zealand: What looks like a cold wintry scene is actually a group of trees covered with pumice dust from nearby geo-thermal bores in the Wairakei area of New Zealand's North Island. Like Italy, the country is rich in underground steam pockets that can be harnessed to provide electric power. Since the cost of producing kilowatts by hydro-electric power is expensive, New Zealand scientists are attempting to develop the geo-thermal areas and are now sending bores down below 1500 feet. They have also found a valuable by-product in their search for underground pressure -- heavy water, which is useful as a moderator in atomic piles. (New Zealand)

Photo is dated 1953.

Photo measures 9 x 7.25 inches.