SHARP 'QUAKE FELT

Chronicle (Levin), 10 February 1949, Page 4

SHARP 'QUAKE FELT

, No Damage Reported Residehts in Levin were. aroused' at. 5'.30 a.m. today by one of the longest earthquakes felt in the diatrict for some years. Rreceded by a rumbling sound, a sickening swaying motion set in, its duratipn beinig of about ten seconds, Almosfc immediately after. it had subsided, a second sway began and lasted for a slightly longer period. Another deep rumbling followed and gave some the impression that a, third shake was about to begin. Unlik'e some past earthquakes there were no sharp jolts, but the swaying was severe and set light bulbs swinging and dislodged suitcases above some wardrobes. No damage was reported in Levin this morning. A Press Association message from Taumarunui states that the earthquake was also felt there at 5.30 a.m., adddng that although it was not severe, it was the longest in duration ever experienced there. Also Felt in, South. A message from Christchurch reports that the earthquake was felt throughout Canterbury at . about 5.30 a.m. At Timaru, the shock was recorded at 5.34 a.m. and was stroiiig. enough to cause electric lights to swing a few inches. The motion was sustained for about ten seconds and appeared to be from northeast to southwest. * ; At the Christchurch maghetic observatory, the two shocks were recorded within a few secohdis after 5.30 a.m. The-centre of the earthquake appeared to be 140 miles from Wellington, but in what direction the observatory could not state.