AUCKLAND HAS ’QUAKE

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 691, 17 June 1929, Page 1

AUCKLAND HAS ’QUAKE

BUT NO SEISMOGRAPH SHOCK WAS VERY SLIGHT Auckland experienced a slight earthquake at 10.25 this morning. It was so slight, however, that many people in the city did not notice it at all. In the suburbs it was more distinct. Auckland, however, has ho means of estimating the strength of any ’quake that occurs, for there is not a seismograph in the city. The meteorological observatory is without one, and so is the University. “Without a seismograph, Auckland is suffering from a great scientific lack,” said Professor J. A. Bartrum, who occupies the chair of geology at University College. ‘“A seismograph is a necessity in a city of any size, so that, even though it may not have many earthquakes itself, it may gain information of tremors in other parts of New Zealand or the world. “We cannot install one at the university, as there is too much vibration from the traffic which passes. The vibration would make a seismograph useless. The question was considered, but we had to abandon the idea. “Perhaps, with the aid of publicspirited citizens, the Auckland Institute could put an instrument in its building, which is in a good position for such observations The cost would be about £300.”

In most buildings in the city this morning the electric lights were seen swinging for some little time after the shock, and this movement, to many people, was the only indication that the earth had been restless.

Those people who did feel the shock say that it was of very short duration, hut telephones were very busy at about 10.30. No damage was done at all. The only effect, as far as is known, was the stopping of the University College clock at 10.25. This clock, being probably the highest in Auckland, would be more affected by the swaying of

the buiiding. It is reported that the ’quake was more severely felt in Henderson and the surrounding district than in the city. Also, Mount St. John, Remuera, Epsom, Kingsland, and Mount Albert residents noticed the shock more than city folk. The duration at Mount St. John was from 19 to 15 seconds.