PANIC IN WANGANUI.

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

PANIC IN WANGANUI.

"SKYLINE QUAVERING."

HUNDREDS WATCH BUILDINGS ROCKING.

SOME DAMAGE TO SHOPS. (By Telegraph.—Own Correspondent.) WANGANUI, this day. The worst earthquake in .several years occurred in Wanganui at 10.15 this morning, the shake being of greater intensity and of longer duration that that which, took place several weeks agoA mild panic seized the town as buildings bejan to rock in an alarming manner, and people rushed from houses 1 and places of business fearing that at any moment the roofs might collapse. The 'quake lasted about five minutes, but a rocking motion could be felt for nearly 50 minutes. A few seconds after the 'quake commenced people quickly realised that it was unwise to remain indoors and there was a general scamper for the exits. Floors rose and fell like a swell at sea, and walls swayed threateningly. Many women fainted, while others reached exits and stood there bewildered, unable to retreat further, and then had to be assisted. Once outside people experienced a feeling of seasickness. The water in the Wanganui River was churned into waves, as if by a gale of wind, and lashed against the concrete wall on the Sonime Parade side of the river. A good view of this was obtained by those who had vacated the Magistrate's Court. The staffs of the Native Land Court, the Public Trust and the hotels in the vicinity eclipsed all speed records in reaching the streets. In Ridgway Street standing motor cars gave a very good indication that the direction of the earthquake was north to south, as they moved backwards and forwards with the oscillation. Many telephones were thrown out of order. "Swaying Drunkenly." Most of the people employed in the city rushed into the streets and watched the buildings sway drunkenly in the Avenue. The quavering skyline presented an uncanny sight. The street shook underfoot, and those standing still J experienced the "seasick" feeling. —"When will it stop?" people asked. "It's still going—can you feel it?" said others, but there was no need to ask. Hundreds of people watched with awe the rocking buildings, and expected any moment to see top storeys topple over into the street. Fortunately the 'quake had no '"kick," and no very serious damage was done. The post ofliee tower rocked alarmingly, and the motion set the chimes ringing. Overhead tramway and power lines swung madly, as if whipped into action by a cyclonic gale. Anxious business people looked oh helplessly, while plate-glass windows rattled in their sockets, several large pnnes being cracked right across,«and goods in shops were tumbled helter-skelter about the heads of the assistants, who found themselves unable to move. It was just like a nijrhtimiro which had come true. Cracks appeared in the stone work of several huilclingß and chimneys, and windows in residences were damaged. Facas Pale And Drawn. After the worst of the shake had passed, and people had returned indoors, the sickening swaying notion could still be felt, and it was difficult to stand upright. Many people experienced a reaction, and faintness and dizziness prevented them from returning at once to work. Pallid faces were seen everywhere, and many were strained and drawn. Thoughts for those at home were uppermost in the minds of business people, but the hasty dialling of telephones failed to connect them with their wives and families. The delicate apparatus at the exchange had been thrown out of plumb, and it was some time before it could be readjusted.