EARTHQUAKE AT WESTPORT.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXV, Issue 1068, 25 February 1913, Page 3

EARTHQUAKE AT WESTPORT.

Westport, Feb. 22

A terribly prolonged earthquake shock at 12.36 p.m. caused great excitement and alarm. The whole population rushed from the houses to the streets. Considerable damage was done. The new brick post oflice was cracked, and much crockery and glassware was smashed. All the chemists’ bottles suffered, and stocks were shaken from the shelves in many other business places. It was the most alarming earthquake ever experienced here. • The shock was succeeded by a series of minor shocks, one at 3 p.m. being accompanied by aloud cannon-like explosion. Business places suffered considerable damage, and few houses escaped without something being broken.

Numerous chimneys were also partially destroyed, but the chief damage was done in the business centre.

The post and telegraph staff got a great fright, and speedily made their exist on to the road.

Along the Buffer Road a good deal of loose rock and earth came down, impeding the progress of motor and coach services.

Considering the severity of the shock, it is rather remarkable that no loss of life occurred. Some buildings must have been close on the collapsing stage, and thousands of pounds’ worth of goods on shelves were just hanging in the balance when the shock ended. Some households suffered loss of almost all their season’s jam, through the bottles and jars being thrown violently off the shelves on to the floor.

The shocks were felt in the surrounding districts more or less severely, with accompanying breakages in the houses, but Westport seems to have fared worst.

The quakes ” continued through the night, and right up till Sunday alternoon. They were about 14 in number, but of lessening severity.

. The highest tides for some years are reported at Karamea, and a party camping on the N orth Beach at Westport were compelled to shift from quarters hitherto considered safe from the encroachment of the sea.

IN OTHER CENTRES.

Greyhouth, Feb. 22

A severe shock of earthquake at 12.39 this afternoon rang the firebell. No damage is yet reported. The shock was so sharp that townspeople rushed into the street. ReEPTON, Feb. 22. A sharp shock of earthquake was felt here at 12.40 to-day. Nelson, Feb. 22. A severe earthquake was felt here at 12.37 this afternoon.