THE EARTHQUAKE.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1252, 7 October 1911, Page 5

THE EARTHQUAKE.

-•;■' ,• : EXTENT •• OP THE DAMAGE. . .'' -iiVuvfßy -Tdetpsph.—Jjrossi.AssogiptiflnjJ.j.j ~.<> !.,. I'-- -HastingsjT'October-'e/ The shock at Hastings last night was most severe, and is generally considered worse than the ono on August 7, 1901. The motion was vortical more than undulating, and , this probably accounts'for fewer reports of broken crockery than usual,' although tho damage in this respect has been considerable. Several plate-glass .windows were broken, and the cdncreto parapet on Land and 'Heighway'e Building was dislodged. In one placo 12ft. gave way, and in another 10ft. Both portions fell inwards on the roof below, smashing the roofing iron and stout timber beams. The Post Office tower swayed, and appeared to'"wrench, itself away from the main building. Tho foundations, however, were undisturbed. Mr. Boyland, District Overseer for the Pubho 'Works Department,, examined tho building and reports: "Shake opened up all old settlements. The main cornices in fho building are separated about Jin. from tower, as are also inside partitions on tho first floor. The cement facings on tho first floor windows on. each eide of the tower are affected, bnt the whole damage ia not great." . Damage elsewhere Teported is mostly confined to chimneys either shaken down or badly cracked. ■ Thero is no doubt about aa. earthquake's power to create a panic. Men and women lost their heads, and the people in tho streets started running aimlessly in all directions. Tho shock brought down heavy slips on tho sea cliffs between Cliftoji and tho Kidnappers, creating a deafening roar, and sending dense clouds of dust over tho tea.

Taihapo, October G. A severe shock of earthquako was felt at 8.7 o'clock last night. It was preceded and followed by mild vibrations, lasting for Bomo time.