EARTHQUAKE WAVE.

Globe, Volume VIII, Issue 898, 11 May 1877, Page 2

EARTHQUAKE WAVE.

This morning a portion of the east coast of thi- island was visited with an earthquake wave in many respects similar, though on * much smaller scale, to the one which was experienced in August, IB6'B. "n that occasion the water rose and fell in Lyttelton

Harbour in a I'atlier alarming manner. A wave described as fully twenty feet in height came up the harbour with terrific foree, breaking over the breakwater, and raising the water inside suddenly by six feet. It almost immediately receded leaving the bottom of the harbour bare. The water then return-d but continued to rise and fall at intervals for several hours. The same phenomena were observed all along; the east of the colony Subsequent information showed that a great shock of earthquake w s experienced in Peru some seventeen hours before the wave broke upon the New Zeala d coast. The shock is described as coming from south to west, and there is no doubt says Dp Hector, "that it was the result of a great submarine eruption at a considerable distance from the coast ; as within a short time it was followed by three ocean waves, which destroyed the towns along the coast of Peru for a distance of 1000 miles between latitude 12deg. and 23deg. south. There is no doubt that it was the westerly propogation of the same three waves * * which reached ~Now Zealand, having traversed the width of the South Pacific Ocean (over 6000 miles) in seventeen hours * * * The force which originated such a wave must have been tremendous." A similar explanation will most probably account for the occurences of this morning, of which we subjoin the following accounts from our correspondents : LYTTELTON. There has been considerable excitement in Lyttelton this morning, owing to a strange tidal disturbance. From 7.-'io to the time of our despatch leaving port, the water lias been rising and falling in a most unusual manner ; at times rising 3ft. in a few minutes, and filling more than that distance in the same time. The tide running round the breakwater was so strong that it carried several vessels out broadside on. The Akaroa, steamer, was served in this fashion, and the Waihopai, schooner, which got under weigh inside the breakwater to 9 a.m. was swept right outside by the reflux of the water. The disturbance had not subsided when our express left. No damage has been done to any vessel or to cither of the breakwaters or wharves. KAIAPOI. At S a.m. three earthquake waves came up the Waimakariri, the largest 2Jft. in height. At the swing bridgo the river was quite calm the time.

TIMAEU. At Timaru the tide also rose and fell in a rapid manner. SUMNKR. At this place the tide also rose suddenly, but din no damage. [Est Telegraph.] WELLINGTON. Since before eight this morning a tidal wave was noticed to rise and fall about 4ft ; the action and reaction occupying about fifteen minutes. It is still going on, but decreasing. At the reclamation works, where the water is confined by an uncompleted breastwork, the tide rushed in and out with a force resembling the tide of the French Pass. AKAEOA. A heavy tidal wave Avas experienced here this morning; the first sit seven o'clock —it being nearly dead low water. The sea came in with great force, and receded in five minutes: the rise and fall being about eight feet. The waves are coming in at intervals of about twenty minutes. No damage is reported. POET CHALMEES. A tidal wave, varying in its rise and fall from 18in. to sft., has been experienced here. NAPIER. (PROJI OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.) There was a great tidal disturbance all through last night at Gisbome. This morning at three o'clock, at three-quarter ebb tide, a tidal wave came over the bay, and rose Bft. above the top of the hull of the Go-a-head. The men, to save their lives, had to fly to the riggiug. The wave striking the bar partially broke it, but nevertheless it caused a sudden rise in the river of three and four feet, causing it to overflow its banks on the low lying portions. At 9.30 a second heavy wave run up the river, causing great alarm. At 9.45 there was another, and almost immediately afterwards a fourth. The weather was fine, with a fresh breeze blowing. The water in the bay was much agitated.