A NOISY EARTHQUAKE

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 132, 21 February 1918, Page 4

A NOISY EARTHQUAKE

EERIE ROAR PRECEDES SHARP SHOCK. He must have been a very sound sleeper who was not roused to wakefulness by the earthquake shock felt in Wellington at 1.45 a.m. yesterday. The prolonged shock and subsequent tremors were in this case preceded by an eerie rumble or roar, with a clearlydefined note, heard for quite a coupleof seconds before the climax of the shake. The 'quako had four distinctly noticeable phases,'viz., a fearsome roar, a shivering agitation, the sharp shock itself, and the settling down tremor, the whole of which must have lasted at least seven or eight seconds. Aa far as could be ascertained no dainago was done L«y tho shake, but it is on, record that few people slept .through the.dkturbance,, which in itself is.an indication of its severity.

A Press Association message from New Plymouth states that a sharp, prolonged earthquake was felt at 1.47 a.m., followed by a shorter about 8.45 a.m., 'but no damage is reported. Tβ Kuiti reports two shocks at 1.50 a.in.i the first slight, the second decided. A. message from Napier states that shocks were felt at 1.60 a.m. and ,8.39 a.m. Neither was severe, and no damage was done. A very prolonged and violent earthquake was felt at Hawera at 1,50 a.m. No damage was-done. There was also a slight shock at 8.40 a.m.—Press Association.,

Two earth iremors of more severity than -usual were felt at Taumanmui at 2 a.m.' and 8.45 a.m. (states a Press Association message). Our Masterton correspondent says a severe shock of earthquake was experienced in Masterton at 1.45 a.m. It was preceded by a. heavy rumbling noise. The movement lasted for several seconds, and caused some consternation among residents. No damage is, however, reported. .