FINN (COM) DAILY RECORD: FRIDAY, 06 AUGUST 2004
Compiled by J. Brock (FINN)
TRISTAN STILL SHAKES UNDERGROUND
By J. Brock (SARTMA-TdC)
Though all may seem quiet on the surface, the latest seismic information from the Island is quite different. Many kilometres beneath the 1961 Volcano the rocks are still shaking. Indeed, there has been other seismic activity along the Atlantic Ridge, which has contributed to seismic instability in the South Atlantic.
The South Sandwich Islands have also experienced seismic activity within the same time frame that Tristan did. However, that activity happened two weeks before on 17 July 2004 and on 30 July, with 4 and 5 readings on the Richter scale. No data has been received about the events being related, however.
At the moment, fishermen from Tristan are reporting floating rocks all around the Island. (See the photo above) This is an indicator that the activity could have been on the seabed. Tristan da Cunha is located near to the Atlantic Ridge on the African Plate and could well receive pumice from eruptions in this spreading centre. As you can see, the rocks are angular and not round. This means that they haven't travelled very far.
More information will be available as it comes in.
FIBS NEWS DIRECT: 06 AUGUST 2004
COURT NEWS:
A youth who faced a charge of assault had his case dropped this morning. Crown Council, Ros Cheek, told a panel of Justices of the Peace that she was not in the position to precede with the prosecution and wished to withdraw the case. She said the decision had not been taken lightly. The complainant in the case, a young boy, was distressed by the proceeding, and Ms. Cheek said she was not willing to further that distress. As a result, the panel found the youth not guilty of the offence. (Penguin News Report.)
APPEAL:
An appeal to Executive Council has been launched by Owen Summers on behalf of the Stanley Sports Association, after a refusal of planning permission for minor drainage works to the Stanley Racecourse. A statement from Gilbert House this morning says a copy of the planning application and the notice of refusal can be inspected at the Environmental Planning Office during normal working hours. But you can also have your say. If you feel that this was an unfair decision, you can send your comments to the Clerk of Councils at Gilbert House before the 20th of August.
FARMERS:
A large percentage of farmers around the Islands have been taking advantage of a Department of Agriculture scheme to improve their pasture. There are many benefits to improving the feed that animals are given, such as higher lambing percentages. Doug Martin (DM) told me this:
DM: Over a 5-year period, stocking rates of 2000 DSE (Dry Sheep Equivalent) which is based on what a 40 or 50 kg animal will ear over a year. The second section where they can qualify is if a business unit can demonstrate a capacity to earn in excess of £10,000.00 of gross income per annum from activity in a core pasture improvement programme. But also the farm must demonstrate tenure of at least 5-years. This tenure must have a formal lease agreement. If a farm hasn’t got one, it will have to get one. Also, farm managers, who are running two or three farms at the moment - one application is permitted from each farm management entity.
ST. HELENA REP:
John Clifford has been appointed the first official representative of St. Helena in the Falklands. The Governor of St. Helena informed Gilbert House of the news this morning. He has been offered this role with immediate effect.
Note: Prize-giving coverage will be sent separately and in full.
WALKERS:
In the early hours of this morning, a group of walkers set out from San Carlos on the first stage of a walk that will see them yomping 80 miles into Stanley. The team of walkers from ASD and Port Troop, will be stopping off at Mt. Pleasant to collect more money before walking into Stanley through the night and are hoping to arrive at the Liberation Monument around 1200 tomorrow. All money raised from the walk will go towards the children’s charity at KEMH.
(100X Transcription Service)
