TERRIFYING FEELING

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 141, 17 June 1929, Page 8

TERRIFYING FEELING

GOVERNMENT STAFFS MAKE

FOR THE OPEN,

XO SERIOUS DAMAGE DOXE

(By Telegraph.—Special to "Star.")

WELLINGTON, this day

Wellington experienced an exceptional earthquake at 10.19 to-day. Though it lasted several minutes, the shocks were rolling ones, and there were no violent jolts, otherwise serious damage must havo occurred. As it was, it was possible to see buildings and telegraph posts swaying. There were mild shocks at intervals during the next hour.

So far no serious damage is reported. Parliament Building escaped unscatched. though its occupants admit the experience was terrifying, for the massive building swayed to the accompaniment of a grinding noise. One well-stafl'cd Government Department at the northern end of the building was quickly evacuated, but as the shocks were not bo noticeable in the open the employees returned, only to make for the lawn again. When the tremors died down work was resumed, but another shock caused a third "break" for the sunshine. The huge wood structure of the main Government building swayed noisily, but tho only damage was the falling of several pounds' weight of plaster from the top iloor ceiling. Special interest is being taken in two new city skyscrapers, the eight-storeyed T. and G. offices and Hie seven-storeyed Xational Bank building, which adjoins them. Hundreds of people were to be seen running an eye along the sides of tho tall buildings, making geometrical comparisons, which were handicapped by the cornices of varying width. However, the crowd was satisfied that the Xational Bank had sagged to the south about 32 inches, though actual proof io not available, and the building is absolutely intact. The spectacle will probably turn out an optical illusion.