THE EARTHQUAKES IN ICELAND.

Waikato Argus, Volume I, Issue 59, 21 November 1896, Page 2 (Supplement)

THE EARTHQUAKES IN ICELAND.

Mil lon Stkianssox, Ph.D., writing from Reykjavik, says that the recent succession eif earthquakes was such as Iceland had not been subjected to within historical times. The shocks were felt throughout the island, about 25 to :!0,000 square miles. When he left Reykjavik on September 10 many of the inhabitants had been camping out in a green in the middle of the town for a fortnight. Yet Reykjavik was only on the edge of tho district directly threatened. At the Cathedral and Parliament House in Reykjavik yawning rifts were made in the ceiling. The shocks were preceded by rumbling noises underground resembling ordnance shot. Only turf and stemc houses aro knop'ii to have been destroyed, while no timber bouse fell, though several of them were muvcil three or four feet from their situ. At a low estimate 1,000 to 1,800 houses were wholly anel partly destroyed, while three lives were lost. Even at sea the shock was felt. The ships in Reykjavik harbour tugged at their anchors so that the crews took to their boats, thinking they were being cut loose from their moorings. Everywhere one bears peoplo earnestly wishing for an eruption. They think that, if the lire gels an outlet the earthquakes will cease. This is, however disproved by fact-*. The Russian Fmpeior has subscribed 1,000 kroner and the Empress Alexand'.rof Russia ,'!,000 kroner in aid of tho victims ; 'J,OOO and 1,000 kroner have been received l'loin the King anel Oiiecn of Denmark.