EARTHQUAKE SHOCKS.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXV, Issue 279, 23 November 1914, Page 8

EARTHQUAKE SHOCKS.

Per Press Association. Wellington, November 23. An earthquake, which seems to have been serious further north, found it» way to Wellington at 7.46 last night. Tiiere were two rather prolonged shocks, which alarmed the people in churches and caused them to run out in some instances, but as visual the shake was more threatening in appea’rance than in reality. A little plaster fell in one or two buildings, but no damage has so far been reported. Gisborne, November 23. A severe earthquake occurred at 7.-18 last evening and caused a stampede from the churches, though the services were resumed afterwards. Several chimneys were damaged in town and country but no serious losses are reported.

At Tok'omaru Bay the shake was more severe at the northern end of the township than at the southern end, which felt it so severely before. Business premises had been prepared against losses by having their shelves wired, and they therefore did not suffer to any considerable extent, but several chimneys which had only just been rebuilt after the ’quake a month ago again suffered.

Danuevirke.—At 7.47 on Sunday evening tlie most severe earthquake since August, 1904, was experienced here. It lasted a considerable time, but beyond alarming the people and levelling a few chimneys little damage is reported. Portions of the congregations in the churches sought safety in the streets, while householders also sought the open during the duration of the shake.

Pahiatua.—Two distinct shocks ol earthquake within a few seconds of each other occurred at a quarter to eight last night. The second shock was the most severe and prolonged for years. The earth trembled, and sevtral women in church were greatly scared, and, half fainting, hurried out. rhe direction of the shake's‘was north to south.

Blenheim.—A very severe and prolonged earthquake occurred here at 7.47 last night, followed by a second one even more severe. Buildings shook, clocks were stopped and people were somewhat scared. Palmerston. —The quake was very severe in this district. A number o' chimneys were levelled and damage was done in various business premises. Christchurch. —There was a slight tremor at 7.48 last night accompanied by a rumbling noise and preceded by a fairly sharp shock of earthquake lasting half a minute. -No damage is reported. Carterton.—A long and continuous earthquake was felt here last night at 7.48, with two heavy shocks. No damage whs done. '

Levin.—There was a prolonged earth- 1 quake last evening at 7.45, lasting two ' minutes. People left the churches, but 1 no damage is reported. Apparently ■ the direction yvas north-east to southwest. Waipawa.—There was a severe and prolonged earthquake at 7.45 last night. Masterton.—Two distinct shocks of earthquake; each lasting about 30 seconds, were felt at 7.48 last night. Fortunately the shake had an oscillating motion, and the usual sudden jerk yvas absent. No damage was done. Inglewood.—Two shocks of earthquake were felt here last night at 7.48, but no damage yvas done. Hastings.—The shock yvas very severe, but contrary to expectations there was no structural damage to any buildings. There yvas general exodus of people from the churches and homes, and the people wore thoroughly scared. Much-needed vain fell during the night, and the sky is still overcast. Eltham.—Prolonged earthquake yvas felt at 7.48 last evening. There yvas a beneficial rain last .night, but not sufficient of it for grass-lands, yvhich are suffering from the prolonged spell of dry weather. Hamilton.—A fairly severe earthquake yvas experienced last night. Feilding.—A very severe earthquake occurred at 7.45 last night, lasting tyvo minutes. In several chinches members became alarmed and rushed out. No damage has been reported. Napier.—The most severe shock of earthquake experienced since 1904 occurred at 7.48 last evening, the duration being fully one minute and a-half. People fled from the churches and a number of yvomen fainted. No serious damage has been reported. Auckland. There yvas a slight earthquake in Auckland about 7.30 on Sunday night. Talhape.—Severe earthquake? shocks yvere felt here at 7.45, and there yvas something like a panic in the churches, "'here several people fainted. Chimneys are reported to be doyvn in some parts of the district. Through a landslide near the Hautapu stream, tyvo anglers had a narroyv .escape from death.

Dunedin.—There was a slight earthquake shock at 7.50 last evening. The “.News” reports that a prolonged hut mild shock of earthquake was felt in Now Plymouth about 7.50 last night. It lasted for slightly over

two minutes. The shock was felt in Stratford, being of an extremely mild nature.