DISMANTLED BY SHOCK.

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 142, 18 June 1929, Page 9

DISMANTLED BY SHOCK.

OBSERVATORY INSTRUMENTS. OTHERS to be obtained. OFFICIAL TIME LOST. ' (By Telegraph.—Special to "Star.") WELLINGTON, this day. When the earthquake occurred the staff at the Dominion Observatory was preparing to broadcast the time signal, which is sent daily at 10.30 for ships' chronometer purposes, but the heavy oscillations put all the pendulum clocks out of action and dismantled the seismological instruments, which are delicately set for long-distance recording. Two chronometers remained at work, but the Government astronomer was unable to wireless the usual exact data, because he had temporarily lost the official New Zealand time. Observations of the sun, and wireless time signals, enabled accuracy to be regained, but too late for the guidance of shipping. The Government seismologist, Dr. C. E. Adams, gives it a-*; his opinion that the centre of the earthquake was somewhere in the northern portion of the South Island, possibly between Nelson and Blenheim. Minister Takes Action. Guided by the experience of yesterday's earthquake the Minister in charge of the Scientific and Industrial Research Department, Hon. H. Atmore, has given instructions for the immediate placing of orders for one or more of the seismographic instruments required for the accurate recording of local disturbances. "In Wellington the seismographs were shaken out of order," said the Minister.

"These are very sensitive instruments and are especially good for recording distant earthquakes. Earthquakes all round the Pacific Ocean are recorded here. Our reports are used to help other observatories to locate earthquakes. By this method we get maps showing the exact position of dangerous areas of earthquakes some distance from New Zealand, but when the tremors are close to New Zealand their violence is such that they throw the seismographs out of action.

"This time the violence was more than usual, and it dislocated two different parts of the machine. We have'also a rougher model of a seismograph, a record of which will be developed. This will probably be a good record. Seismographs for recording local earthquakes are obtainable, and it is hoped to instal some of these in New Zealand, so that originating centres may be accurately located. It is much more important to New Zealanders that full information of local earthquakes should be obtained, and our stations will not be adequatelyequipped until we are provided with these necessary instruments. Orders will be placed immediately for one or more of these instruments required for recording accurately local earthquakes."