The Earthquake.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVI, Issue 186, 11 August 1904, Page 3

The Earthquake.

(Per Press Association.) WELLINGTON, August 10. The seismometer shows that the Wb&uake lasted 70 seconds, and . the resultant- tremors 17 J- minutes. : beveral brick buildings, including tho Harbour Board olhcea and one of tilie sheds, were discovered to have cracks of more or less size. The tower of the Government life insurance Buildings has bad the foundations loosened, and it will probably have to -be reconstructed, but otherwise the damage is superficial. As expected, the drainage to goods bulks very large as reports come in. in Colleg«rfitreet nearly every chimney was smashed or displaced, scarcely a house escaping. The postmaster at Castlepoint further reports that within a radius of about half a mile the earth cracked in several directions from on inch to 1J in width in several places, and from a bucket to two buckets full of mud was thrown out. The natives say it was similar to. that thrown up at Taupo. From 'the mouth of the Whakatoki stream for a mile up the. water is very thick and disturbed, but beyond that it is perfectly clear. Later. The Government architect has not yetl been able to prepare a detailed report on the damage caused to the Government Life Insurance Buildings by yesterday's earthquake. It is certain, however, that the central tower will have to come down. It has been cracked in various directions. The free library is still closed to the public