EARTHQUAKE.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1248, 6 October 1911, Page 5

EARTHQUAKE.

EXCITEMENT AT NAPIER AND HASTINGS. DAMAGE TO PEOPEET'S. (By Telegraph.—Stecial OorrcEDondcnU Napier, October 5. A violent shock of earthquake occurred hero about seven minutes past seven to-night. Many residents who were within doors were greatly excited, and rushed into the streets. Part of tho coping from tho top of tho Provincial Hotel came down, and small pieces of plaster fell from other buildings. Several chimneys nro also reported to have ljc.en shaken down. Hastings, October 5. A very sovoro shock of earthquake was experienced at Hastings just after seven o'clock this evening, and while it lasted threw tho inhabitants into a state of wild excitement. Women and children screamed, and tho heads of households hurried to get their wives and families out of doors. The shock was fairly lencrtliy, occupying about ten secouds whilst at its worst, and then gradually relaxing in intensity. Its conclusion was welcomed with distinct relief by all, for j few had formerly experienced so severe a sliock.

Thero has not yet been timo to ascertain tho extent of damage in the town, but thero is certain to have been a. good deal.. The new post office, eroded just over a year ago, has received several bad cracks. In one placo tho brick wall is separated by a crevice a third of an inch wide. Tho Grand Hotel, the highest building in tho place, seems to have come off unscathed, but Land and Heirway's block in Market Street has lost a portion of tho brick parapet. There must be a considerable loss in private houses of crockery and other breakables. Tho town clock stopped at seven minutes past seven. (By Teleeranh-—Prcsa Association.) Palmerston North, October 5. A slight shock of earthquake was felt at 7.5 o'clock this evening. Wanganui, October 5. A severe earthquake shock was felt hero at 7.7 this evening. Masterton, October 5. A shock of earthquako was fait hero at 7.10 o'clock this evening.