SEVERE EARTHQUAKE IN THE NORTH.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2579, 27 June 1881, Page 2

SEVERE EARTHQUAKE IN THE NORTH.

[By Telegraph.]

Wellington, June 26.

A most severe shock of earthquake was felt here at 5,22 this morning. The direction was from E. to W., and the vibration continued for some time, a small shook being experienced about 6.30 a.m. The shock created the greatest excitement in town, and all the brick buildings in the city have been examined, but no perceptible damage to any has occurred. In Wellington one or two chimneys were thrown down. The Government offices also suffered, large pieces of plaster having fallen, and in one office the mantelpiece was earned away, The ceilings of the new police station were also cracked, and in the upper storey several large pieces of plaster fell. It is known that in several of the mercantile stores damage has occurred, but as all the principal places of business are closed to-day, it is not yet known to what extent injury has been done. Paljiebston North, June 26. A terrible shock of earthquake was experienced here this morning at 6.25, which was followed by five or six slight shocks. A considerable amount of damage was done. Nine chimneys out of ten have been carried away, as also several windows. Great excitement prevails in town. Large parties are visiting the ruins, and the Maoris are greatly excited. It is reported that Foxton also suffered severely. Greymouth, June 26. About 5.15 this morning there were three sharp shocks .of earthquake, and some people say they felt a shock last night shortly after ten, but that is not so well verified. FURTHER PARTICULARS. Wellington, June 27. Two slight ahoske of earthquake were felt last night, one shortly after five and another about eight o’clock. No serious damage is reported as having resulted from the earthquake, although in the large warehouses some light glassware suffered from the shock. It was felt at Otaki at 5.25, but no damage was done. At the Lower Hutt. four chimneys in Mr Liddiford’a house were knocked down. New Plymouth, June 27. A smart shock of earthquake, lasting about half a minute, was felt yesterday morning at 5.16. Carterton, June 27. A very severe" shock of earthquake

was felt yesterday morning. Several chimnies are down. Windows have been broken, and glassware destroyed: especially the latter—in hotels, but nothing serious has happened.

Featherstonb, June 27.

A very severe shock of earthquake occurred at a quarter past five yesterday morning. Old settlers say that it is the heaviest felt since 1864.