THE QUAKE DISASTER

Hokitika Guardian, 26 June 1929, Page 6

THE QUAKE DISASTER

THE DAMAGE DONE

MURCHISON ISOLATED. [By Telegraph, Per Press Association.] ; ; ?, MURCHISON, June 24. .Aiurchison again is isolated. Heavy rain to-day brought down an enormous slip between here and Glenhope, destroying telephonic and telegraphic communication, as • well as blocking refugees from getting out of the stricken township. Working waist-deep in 'mud,-the' linesman repaired one telegraph line, and this slender link is all that keeps residents in touch with Nelson. . A rescue party went up, the Tutaki Valley to-day and brought out twentythree adults, mostly women and thirty children. Practically all the surrounding valleys are now clear of inhabitants. Heavy rain has fallen all day, and slight quakes continue. The rain ha a loosened the hillsides, and slips are occurring in several directions, but on account of the mist it is impossible to locate them. ’ Living conditions here now are most .miserable on account of the rain and cold. Snow fell on the . higher levels during the night. STATE FOREST OFFICERS’ EXPERIENCE. CHRISTCHURCH; June 25. During the violent rockings of the first destructive ’quake on Monday of last week, Mr Jack Anderson and two other men of the State I orest Service, were camped out on the hills about twenty miles from Murchison. The party-had-no means of communication With any town, rand were unaware how near they were to the centre of the earthquake. Mr Anderson \valked to Hanmer, arriving there on Friday, and continued on to his home in Christchurch.

Their camp was situated between Lake Tennyson and the Spencer range, and Air Anderson says that his first impression of the ’quake was that the hills were coming down. One of the men had been crossing a shingle slide just before the big shock, and had a lucky escape. On arrival hack in camp, fissures a foot wide were found in the ground by the hike. At the southern end a wave 12ft high caused by the ’quake, had washed driftwood right up on to the tussocks. That night the riien slept on the ground, which quivered continually, with big shakes now and then. AVESTPORT DAAIAGE. As showing the damage which has been suffered, two builders who were asked to assess the damage to the Bailor Hospital have set it down at £2220. One building in Palmerston street, which represents the investment of the life saving of a well-known AYestport family, has been condemned, and must come down. Insurance companies in tlie town have notified that their policies do not cover risks taken through the use of fireplaces where the chimneys are in a defective condition, and all must he declared sound again before the former cover will he operative. Hammer and drill now are at work oil the largest blocks of the fallen Post Office tower, and these will be blasted to permit of their removal, while n mechanical compressor was brought from the Buller Gorge to-day to he used in conjunction with the pneumatic pick for opening up the footpaths round the building to enable the cables to he lifted.

Captain Burrell, who is in charge of the Alotli aeroplane at AVestport, has been instructed to remain there for the present. It is expected that the Hon. Mr AVilford will accompany Captain Burrell on a visit to Karamea .shortly. Corbyvale, which is isolated by eleven miles of impassable roads, is in desperate need of relief..-i Thirty persons are threatened by a shortage in many of the essentials of life. They hope that a track will he opened up to Alokihinui ultimately. A NATURAL LAKE. The Hon. H. Atmore, who has returned to AY r eilington stated that photographs were obtained of the dam in the Matakitaki River, which had been made by the fall of earth, rock, and trees from the mountain-side, and also of the outlet which the river made after the lake had been formed by the dam. The river was now flowing out

REPORTS OF CONDITIONS

MOVEMENT OF SUFFERERS

DONATIONS TO RELIEF FUND

at what was presumably its normal volume of water. The lake thus formed appeared to extend south for a distance of probably several miles, and had submerged the lands of the Patou farm, only the cowshed roof of which was visible. “When the,lake was formed,” the Minister continued, “ considerable alarm was felt as to whether the dam would he swept away and the township of Murchison endangered by the rush of water, hut the general opinion is that the- lake has been formed in the same way as many of the other lakes in New Zealand have been, and that the dam, now that the water has secured an outlet, will hold.” SHOCKS MORE SEVERE. IN THE CENTRAL AREA. WELLINGTON, June. 25. The Postmaster at Murchison re--ports:— There has been a very rough night here last night. There were intense electrical disturbances, with heavy rain, and the snow fell very low on the ranges. The detonations have been slightly more severe than yesterday. The rivers are more slightly above normal. There is no cause for anxiety. . The Glen hope-Murchison road is not yet opened.

The Postmaster at Takaka reports: Slight tremors have continued throughout yesterday, and four heavy shocks were experienced through the night at the following times: 11.26 p.m., 1.30 a.m.. 4.10 a.m., and 7.15 a.in., each shock being preceded by loud rumiblings, apparently from a W.S.W. direction. The weather is overcast and it is raining.

The Postmaster at Glenhope reports: Heavy rain fell here overnight. Snow lias been falling to-day. . Shocks were, again experienced last night, showing more frequency, and being slightly stronger. The roads are still blocked bv slips at Owen River.

RKEETON SHOCKS. AfORE SLIPS IN GORGE. REEFTON, June 25. Further shocks of earthquake, of a much slighter nature, Have been recorded in Roefton during the past 24 hours, the most severe one being at about 11 p.m. last night and at ‘2.33 p.m. to-day. The schools throughout the district, with fife exception of Ikamatua and Alawheraiti, are still closed, hut in all probability will reopen to-morrow. Further slips have been reported in the Buller Gorge, hut not big enough to block traffic to and from Westport. The refugees now in Recfton are being well catered for and offers of accommodation from private residents are many, as well as assistance with money. i A relief fund should he opened by these willing subscribers and controlled by the local Hospital Board. Afanv offers of clothing have been received, and it is hoped that the sufferers, who are striving at various hotels, will bo fully provided for. The Rev. Father Seymour has received the following telegram from Bishop Brodie: “Sincere sympathy with Priests, .Sisters and general community in the dangerous happenings of the past week.” “Knuts in May,” the locally produced amateur theatrical revue, is tc lie staged for relief purposes. The company have kindly offered to put on the play again in Recfton on Tuesday night, July 2nd, at the Princess Theatre for the relief of the sufferers. The programme will he changed considerably and Roefton patrons are assured of a good night’s entertainment.

MISSING PROSPECTOR. RESCUED IN KARAAIEA. AVESTPORT, June 25. Advice has been received that Air Bean, who was isolated on Tait’s farm, 16 miles above Seddonville, has been reached. The rescue party who reached him report “ All well!” The rescuers had a terrible time in the affected «one.

RIVER’S NEW COURSE. IN MARUIA. A REMARKABLE CHANGE. NELSON, June 25. In the Mamin Valley, precisely the same thing has happened as took place in the Matakitaki. 'Hie Manila River has been blocked by a huge landslide, and has hacked up. The waters formed a new lake before overflowing. Describing what lias happened to a “Mail” reporter to-day, Mr L. May, District Engineer, said that the lower blockage in the Afaruia consists olf a large sandstone slide, about one and a half miles in length, and extending about half way across the valley. The depth of the slip overlying the old river bed is about 200 feet. The Alarum River lias been permanently diverted. It is cutting a new course through a gravel terrace. Along the new course' taken by the river there now remains only about 10 feet thickness of gravel above the underlying sandstone. It is probable that the river will cut down into the sandstone to an extent. At present the level of the lake is about 30 feet above the old river level, liic Alaruia.River bridge, near this point is high and dry, and no liver water is likely to flow under it again. ’ WESTPORT, June 25. .

Air G. C. Black,\M.P., who arrived|l here with the steamer Araliura, in-J spccted ° to-day the damage in the j town, also that in the lower Duller i Gorge and the Inaiigahua Junction . j • The member lor ATotueka stated that ; the damage in the Inaiigahua was. nothing like so severe as that in the j Aiurchison district. I

Alin: Black is leaving with Captain Burrell, by aeroplane, for Karamea tomorrow morning. Mr Black is carrying with him the following message from the liime Minister: “On the occasion of your visiting Karamea to-dav, I desire to express, through you, to the residents and ■ settlers of that district, the deep sympathy of myself and my colleagues in the Very trying and distressing experiences which they have gone through as the result of the recent disastrous earthquake. I believe that, in common with the other inhabitants of the afflicted area, they have borne their sufferings with great fortitude, and have faced the position with the same spirit which is characteristic of the pioneers in overcoming the difficulties of the enrly days.” Karamea has been isolated since Saturday. : On Friday, Air McLean, County Chainnan,: came out of the settlement. Therefore, Air . Black, -w.P., will he the first to go in. Mr’ Stuart arrived in Westport last night from 1 'Karamea, via Corbyvale. He reports that all of the women and children of - Corbyvale are anxious to evacuate that settelmcnt. Alt- G. C. Black, AI.P., has wired the Prime Afinister, asking that the Public Works Department shall send out a rescue gang to cut tracks : so that the settlers can' be rescued. The Post and Telegraph Department has arranged for a wireless transmitting set to;-be forwarded from AVellington for installation at Karamea. Sir Joseph AVard has authorised Air G. C. Black,' ALP., to distribute £2OO in relief on’food, clothing, temporary housing and immediate distress. Inquiries are being made of deseiviug eases of Karamea, -and also among the Alarum refugees, who have reached Recfton.

GREYAIOUTH REPORT. Further shocks were experienced at Grevmouth yesterday. The first seismic disturbance occurred at 1.40 o’clock in the afternoon, and was comparatively sharp and lasted a (few seconds. The second shock tciok place at 9.3 p.m. and though of only a moment’s ducii |' I! W. s a little more severe. G, i.ii.niiii r.t: n with Christchurch by telephone and telegraph was restored ai 1.30 o’clock yesterday afternoon. •' 'fhrm slips occurred yesterday on the i ad h'V •.veen Otira and Jacksons and all traffic in the locality is held up A gang of men are engaged in removing the‘obstruction, and it is anticipated that the'road will he open for traffic, about noon to-day. The Rewiinui train was held up for a brief period at Dunollie yesterday morning on account of a small slip. The engine creiv however got to woik with spades and the obstruction was cleared within a few minutes. All traffic on the Blackball line has been suspended on account ol tho unsuitable condition of a bank near the bridge. aeroplane trip. TO KARAMEA TO-DAY. AVF.LLINGTON. June 25. The Acting-Secretary of the Post and Telegraph Department has received the 'following message from the Chief Postmaster at AVestport: “An airplane will endeavour to leave AA’estport at 7 a.in. to-morrow for Karamea.” AT GRANITY. A report from Graiiity states. “The severe earthquake lias caused considerable damage here. Three of the Council motor trucks are buried in a slip on the Millerton track, and much of the road has cracked for chains rip: it along the centre. In some places tlie cracks are approximately three feet deep and about nine inches to a foot wide at the top. Luckily the completed work is practically void of cracks, hut the pieces they are leaving to tho summer were cracked very had, and almost impossible to got past.”

NORTH ISLAND UNEMPLOYED. A RUSH TO NELSON. NELSON, June 25. Afr Ross, officer in charge of the Labour Department at Nelson, states that quite a number of "unskilled men have arrived from the North Island under i/he mistaken impression that plenty iff work is available in Nelson on account of the earthquake damage. A few bricklayers have been placed hut so far as unskilled workers are concerned, they are not required at present. There are about 70 men registered at the Bureau. Air Ross desires to warn outsiders that no work is available for them in Nelson at present. AIORE REFUGEES. FROM AIURCHISON. NELSON, June 25. Seventy-five Aiurchison retugees got through to Glenhope late this afternoon, and they came on to town by special train this evening. Tho police and Post and Telegraph staff and a few others are remaining in the district. A WALK THROUGH. FROM NELSON TO AIURCHISON. NELSON, June 25. The Public AYorks Engineer, Air L. Ala.v, accompanied by two members of the Government Survey party, left Nelson this afternoon to walk through I'roln Murchison to Reel ton, via Matakitaki and the Maruin. This trip is being made in order to inspect the AfuiT.hison-ReeH'toii main highway, sc as to ascertain what will lie required to put it in order for traffic. Their walk is expected to take about five days. i AIR COATES AT TESTPORT. , AVESTPORT, June 25. Hon. J. G. Coates made a tour of AVestport to-day, inspecting the damage done by the earthquakes. From the balcony of the A’ictoria Theatre, he gave ail address in which he stated that the sufferers hv the quakes had the heartfelt sympathy of the people in all other parts of the Dominion. He commended them for the brave way in which they had stood up to their trials and difficulties, and assured them that the various political parties would heartily. join with the Government in any action taken lor their relief. CHRISTCHURCH SHOCKS. CHRISTCHURCH, June 25. There were ten distinct shakes, two of them severe, recorded at the Magnetic Observatory on Sunday, as f0110w5:—2.29 10w5:—2.29 a.m: Alild Tremors; 2.41 a.m.: Tremor; 3.1 a.m.: Severest shake since the big one last Alondav. The record just came within the >n j struiiK'ntal limits. 6.10 a.m: An- ! other movement, almost as big as I lu one at 3.1 a.m.: 8.47 a.m.: Tremor 9 a.ni.: Tremor; 11.32 a.m.: Small tremors in Christchurch; 1.44 p.m.; Tremor; 8.58 p.m.: Tremor; 10.32 p.m.; Tremor. No trelKors were recorded yesterday, not to noon.

AT AIURCHISON. RIVER SITUATION UNALTERED. AYELLINGTON, June 25. The Acting-Secretary of tho Post and Telegraph Department has bee advised as follows by the Postmasie at Murchison at 8 p.m.:— “The shakes anil detonations eon tinuo here. There is no change in tin' rivers. Still there is no cause for alarm. “To-day 88 refugees left for Nelson. The weather is showery.” FURTHER AVESTPORT SHOCKS. AVESTPORT, June 25.. Earthquakes have been felt to-cka at varying intervals throughout the day and this evening, but these have not greatly disturbed the people. Afanv, however, mostly women, i.iv leaving by the steamer Arahura fo night for Wellington. WELLINGTON, June 25. From the Chief Postmaster, AVestport, at 7 p.m., the report was as follows; There has been a very quiet night,, anil it has also been quiet today. There were a lew minor tremors. The weather conditions are had. Heavy showers fell all day, and are still continuing.” AUCKLAND FUNDS. AUCKLAND, June 25. Tlie “N.Z.’ HeraliPs” Earthquake Relief Fund now stands at £3,769. The Mayor of Auckland’s Fund stands at £1,626. Tile Auckland “Star’s” Fund totals £1,087. The Auckland Harbour Board today decided to donate £SOO. Following a suggestion by tlie King’s College Old Boys’ Association, the ir’+horities of flip 'uckland Grammar School and King’s College have decided to allow a collection for the relief of earthquake distress in the South Island to he taken during the King’s College-Grammar School football match next Saturday. BANK OF N.Z. DONATION. AYESTPORT, June 25. Afr If. E. Holland, ALP., has been advised that tlie Bank of New Zealand has subscribed 121000 to the earthquake relief fund.

£IOOO FROM CHRISTCHURCH COUNCIL. CHRISTCHURCH, June 25. The Christcnurcli City Council last evening voted £IOOO to the earthquake relief fund. TWO £SOO DONATIONS. WESTPORT, June 25. Advice has been received that the Westport Coal Coy and the U.S.S. Coy have each donated £SOO to the West Coast Belief Fund. POOLING RELIEF FUNDS. NELSON OBJECTION. NELSON, June 25. At a meeting of the Citizens’ Relief Committee to-day, Councillor Gibbs, referring to the statement of the Prime Minister as to the funding of all of the contributions and the setting up of a Commission to administer the same, objected to suggested course, but further discussion on the matter was adjourned to the next meeting. TELEC RA PHS IN TER RU PIED. WELLINGTON, J”ne 25. The Acting-Secretary General of the Post Office reports: In conseqwiro of slips in the vicinity of Otira, coii-eo '- able line interruptions have been ev. perienced. The traffic for Greymouth,, Westport and other West Coast offices is subject to delay. Radio communication is still being maintained with Westport, pud traffic is being disposed of by that means.