EARTHQUAKE.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXIII, Issue 25, 27 May 1912, Page 5

EARTHQUAKE.

SEVERE SHOCK IN STRATFORD YESTERDAY. XO DAMAGE DONE. The severest shock of earthquake felt in Stratford for many years was? experienced yesterday at (i.■! p.m. No damage, save the spoiling of some resident's appetites, and the stopping of many clocks, is reported. Round town the chief topic of conversation is the "quake," and various arc the estimates of its duration and intensity. The genera] consensus of opinion is that the shook lasted for forty seconds, the movement appearing to he from east to west. The loud rumblings attracted the attention of many people, and the majority were not slow to leave the shelter of their houses while the earthquake was in progress. No one, however, was more alarmed than the cats and oilier domestic animals. Judging from their antics, they experienced the sensations of an electric shock of fairly high voltage. AT NEW PLYMOUTH. The most severe and alarming shock of earthquake experienced in New Plymouth for many years occurred at two minutes past six o'clock last night, says the "News." The afternoon had been close and "broody" and comparatively still. The shock was preceded by a loud rumbling noise similar to a sudden rising of the

wind. li lasted for over 50 seconds,] and was exceptionally severe. Scores of people rushed out into the open in alarm, but fortunately wry little damage was done. Several chimneys in the town were dislodged and there was some minor damage to crockery and windows, but otherwise property escaped well. No damage was done at the oil, bores, but the manager stated that the No. 2 bore had beer, flowing exceptionally strongly all day and had shown several .:.ard bursts. The earthquake moved from an easterly direction. A cablegram from Sydney on Saturday night stated that the seismograph at the observatory had recorded a severe shock of earthquake. Th< quake was estimated to have its cen-•v.-e about GOO miles away, in a northeasterly direction, towards Japan. The needle of the seismograph was deflected half an inch, widen indicates thai the shock was of an exceptionally so vere nature. IX OTHER PLACES. (Per Press Association.) Inglcwood, May 27. lA .smart shock of earthquake occurred at five minutes past six last night, the direction being east to west, and its duration 50 seconds. Auckland, May 27. A sharp earthquake occurred at ii.!> p.m. on Sunday. One chimney at Parnell fell with a crash,. Otherwise nc damage elsewhere is reported. Hamilton, May 27. A smart earthquake was experienced here lasting 30 seconds at six last evening. Country reports state that the shock was general. Old residents describe it as the most severe for forty years. One of the jeweller's "shops in Hamilton had the window goods thoroughly mixed and glass, smashed. Waihi, May 27. A sharp shock of earthquake was felt here at six last night. Taihape, May '27. A prolponged earth tremor and sharp shock occurred at 6.G last night. The undulations wvw mild at first working up to the shock and then gradually subsiding. Hawera, May 27. There was a very sharp shock oi

earthquake at Hawera at five minute; past six lact evening, lasting several seconds.