THE EARTHQUAKE.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2718, 5 December 1881, Page 3

THE EARTHQUAKE.

SECOND EDITION

[By Telegraph.] Greymouth, Dec, 5 Two very sharp and distinct shocks of earthquake, the heaviest ever experienced here, were felt this morning at 7.36. The first shock and vibration came from seaward, West to East, the second was North to South. Both lasted between 20 and 30 seconds. Houses were visibly shaken, but no damage was done. The shocks were also felt at Ahaura, whence telegrams describe them as fearful. Kumara, Dec. 5. Two shocks of earthquake were felt here this morning. The first, a slight shock, appeared to come from the N-W. like a gust of wind. The second occurred a second after, and was the heaviest felt on the West Coast since 1858. Time, 7.35 ; direction, S.W. to N.E., like an upheaval. W ELLINGTON, Dec. 5. A slight shock of earthquake was felt here at 7.30 this morning. A Message from Westport states that a sharp shock of earthquake was felt there at 7.30 this morning. Pictures on walla were swung, and window weights rattled in their cases. The shock was also felt at Hokitika at 7.30 ; duration minute ; direction South to North. Christchurch, Dec. 5. The severest shock of earthquake experienced since 1868 occurred shortly before 8 o’clock this morning. The vibration continued about 45 seconds, the direction being N.E. to S.W. No serious damage is reported. A small piece of ornamental stone moulding was displaced from the summit of the cathedral spire, and fell on to the asphalt pavement, making a deep indention. Ashburton, Dec. 5. A very sharp shock of earthquake was felt here this morning about 7.30. It lasted about 20 seconds. The shock passed from East to West, Lyell, Dec. 5. A small shock of earthquake was felt here at 7.35 this morning; duration 5 secs ; vibration East and West.