AT CAPE FAREWELL

Hokitika Guardian, 22 June 1929, Page 5

AT CAPE FAREWELL

A lIOISK IItUUKD, W E.LLJXG TON, ..111110 21. One oi the must alarming experiences of the oa rtln[nuko was that undergone by the keeper and his wife and son at an isolated lighthouse at Kalnirangi Point, where it was a matter of seconds only between preenriuus life and sudden death. Owing to the lack of communica-

tions, it was not until Wednesday that

wont was roceiml that the light had been extinguished, but the keeper, Mr A. W. Page, arrived in Wellington this morning to give a lull report of tlie disaster.

Kahtinrangi point is 25 miles southwest of Cape Farewell.

-Mr Page was also able to give a vivid account of his experience. “The big shake was not the first to be felt,” said Mr Page. “There was one just ordinary shake at 12.45 in the morning, and another at 7.17, this time more severe, and lasting for about three minutes. Then came the big shake, which we timed at 12 minutes past ten. My sou and I were working in the bush at the bottom, of a gully ..bout 7(1 yards in direct Lnc from tho lighthouse, and the boy timed the shake. The shake lasted for about' eight minutes, and we soon realised I hat wo were in a dangerous position, as trees were bending right down to .lie ground, and then swinging back :gain, as if in a strong gale. We io.st no time in getting out of the bush on to cleared ground above, and here we came upon a weird sight. Fissures were opening and closing in the grass slopes before our eyes. Jt was for all tho world like the work of a giant lightning sketch artist. Cracks of nytliing up to six inches wore opening about our feet, and we had the greatest difficulty in standing upright, as the ground heaved and trembled. Ae saw that the sea was discoloured, and mv son thought that the discoloration must have been caused by sand being stirred up. but when we got niong a bit furtner, we saw the real •ause. The whole of the hillside had dipped out into the sen. and nikau scrub was showing up out of the water.

“I began to feel anxious for my wife, as we could not see what had Happened to the house from where we were. Alter a while, we could see that the lighthouse tower was still •tniuling, and then we met my wife, who had hurried to find lmw we were as .soon as she found herself safe. The house had been completely demolished, mil was buried under about 12 feet of debris.

REEFTON • REPORT. TREMORS STILL SEVERE. IIEEFTOX, June 21. Severe tremore have continued hereabouts. At 2.30 o’clock this morning me came which is regarded as having icen tlie second biggest by the majority of the residents. It shook for a lengthy period. Another severe tremor was felt at 7.17 o’clock this morning, • and a number of minor ones since.

Most of the residents are now back to their usual habitations, but at the slightest shock many arc to be seen fleeing into the middle of tiie roads. Indeed very few womenfolk have enjoyed a good sleep since Monday, and a- majority of them did not retire at nights at all, or if so, went without undressing, and were up at the slightest

mmole. It is very gratifying that the rain did not continue, as the roofs of mini crons houses aro in a deplorable conlition. The weather remains fine, with beautiful sunshine throughout the day.

According to the latest reports, Mrs Morel (formerl Miss Jessie Mirfin of Ikamatua) is only slightly injured, and is with relatives at Brightwater, near Nelson. As reported in previous mosages, Mr and Mrs Morel were overtaken by a landslide near their homestead in the Murchison district, and Mr Morel died from his injuries. Mr Morel had probably the finest farm at Murchison.

MURCHTSON SHOCKS

MORE DETONATIONS

WELLINGTON, June 21

The Acting-Secretary of the G.P.O. lias received the following from the Postmaster at Murchison: At noon to-day the rivers are running normal over the dams.

The detonations recommenced at dark last evening, with minor tremors, and there were some heavy ones, especially one at 2.25 a.m. A relief party has left for the marooned families in the lower Maruia (l’aegab They are not expected to return for two or three days.

A large gang of men are engaged on opening the road Lo the Upper Matakitaki. The settlers in the Tutnki district are all safe.

MORE TAKAKA SHOCKS,

WELLINGTON, June 21. The Postmaster at Takaka reports: “Shocks have continued throughout Ihe night. The last severe one was experienced at ti.s'o a.in.’’