SHARP EARTHQUAKE

Hokitika Guardian, 8 May 1929, Page 6

SHARP EARTHQUAKE

FELT AT WANGANUI. L Hy Telegraph, Per Press Association..WANGANUI, Mny 8. A heavy earthquake at 3.46 this morning awakened the whole of M angnnui and the heads of families were soon galvanised into activity, attending to frightened children. Although severe, surprisingly little damage was doiiv?. except to odd chimneys and articles being knocked from shelves, and a few bottles displaced in hotel liars. It was the heaviest shake since 1922. OTHER REPORTS. MUCH DAAIAGE DONE. \IAR TON. A lay 8. The most serious earthquake experienced here for many years occurred at 3.46 this morning. It was rif Uriel duration, but of sufficient intensity to cause great alarm. It lasted only a few seconds but during that time houses rocked and the contents of several mostly small articles were thrown to the floor. Plate glass windows in two shops were severely cracked. A largo brick chimney at the brick kiln cracked for a length of about six feet and has a perceptible lean. SERIOUS AT HUNTER V! LLE. AIARTOX. Alay 8. At Hunterville the ’quake was more severe and hardly a chimney is left undamaged from one end of the town to the other. Every shop window was broken. In one case the contents were strewn on the roadway. A panic arose and crowds gathered in the streets. The damage runs into several thousands. One shop alone estimates it at £I,OOO, the whole building being dangerously cracked and twisted. Cracks are visible on the roadways. A ERY SECURE AT FFJLDTNG. EXTENSIVE DAAIAG-E. •FEI LIVING, Alay 8. The most terrific earthquake in the history of Feilding was felt at 3.46 this morning, apparently travelling from the north-west. It lasted about 30 seconds. It began with a. most violent bump, and continued with increasing severity. The power hoard officer cut off all lighting for safety, thus the town was plunged in darkness. This accentuated the uncanny lightning which filled the sky for a few moments. To-day .reveals, extensive 'damage. M’.anv chimneys are down, parapets shaken off and in business areas many plate glass windows smash'd and goods broken. Some brick walls aie showing cracks. The surrounding distpibts of fvandon Rongotea. Stairway, report maiiv chimneys down. AT WELLINGTON. WEUti NO TON. Alay. 8. The earthquake was experienced in Wellington as a fairly prolonged shock, but not severe. Apparently there is no damage. It is reported that lor some minutes before the shock was felt, animals in the Zoo gave noisy notice. AT NAPIER. NATTER, Afny 8. An earthquake of unusual sharpness took place at 3.60 this morning. No damage is reported.

AT PALMERSTON NORTH. PALMERSTON N. May 8. The earthquake, while heavy and prolonged, was not apparently as heavy-as in the surrounding district. Heavy damage to chimneys was done at Sandon where there is hardly a sound one left standing. Bottles etc. and books were thrown from shelves. There was little damage dooa!ly, it being confined to loose crockery in shops.