AN EARTHQUAKE

Press, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23299, 8 April 1941, Page 8

AN EARTHQUAKE

SHARP SHOCK FELT IN CITY With its origin 120 miles north-west from Christchurch, close to the Murch'ison township, an earthquake just before 7 o’clock yesterday, morning woke many residents in Christchurch and startled those who were already Shout their work. In the city doors and windows rattled and wooden houses creaked, but there were no, violent jolts felt. In Wellington the earthquake was preceded by a loud and* long rumbling. ■■ ‘ Seismographic records, said Mr H. f. Baird, of the Magnetic Observatory, indicated that the origin was fairly deep-seated, and in such cases it was usual for the movement to be of a gentle nature. It was hardly likely that the earthquake would be felt violently at any place, but because it was deepseated it would be felt over an unusually wide area.

SHOCK FELT IN OTHER PLACES

(P.A.) NELSON, April 7. A prolonged earthquake sufficient in Intensity to move a few articles off shop, fittings and to cause lights ’to Swing .slightly, was felt in Nelson at ,6.49 a.m. to-day. The heaviest shock for some years was experienced at Murchison. It was accompanied by considerable noise. Trees could be .seen .shaking. Hokitika—A fairly sharp earthquake was experienced at 6.45 o’clock this morning, apparently four waves coming from a south-easterly direction. Some clocks stopped, but no damage was caused.; /. severe earthquake shock was experienced at .Westport at 6.55 this morning, it'was of . long duration and caused buildings to rock alarmingly, although no dapiage is reported. Crockery and ornaments rattled continuously., It was the worst shock felt since the big earthquake of 1929. Wellington—Preceded by a loud and long rumbling, a vigorous earthquake was felt throughout the city and Suburbs shortly before 7 a.m. Its strength, as measured on the.RossiForel scale, .was about four or five; varying in different localities. No damage is reported. From recordings at the Dominion Observatory a pre--iiminary analysis places the centre about 80 to 90 miles from Wellington, but its direction can only be ascertained after reports are received from other place?. ■ New Plymouth—A sharp earthquake was felt in New" Plymouth about 6.45 am. Though of short duration, houses were shaken. Its approach was clearly audible.

1 Greymonth—Greymouth had its ‘ sharpest earthquake for some, years about 6.45 o'clock this morning, but no daxndge is reported. There were two distinct jolts, divided by a period of vibration which disturbed many people from sleep and rattled loose fixtures and old buildings. In some houses ornaments fell from shelves and . in, one Mackay street shop a glass case was broken. Hokitika and Reefton also had a fairly (Sharp earthquake of apparently, four waves. Some clocks stopped, but no damage is reported. A low rumbling noise preceded the earth. quakVtitobr^on-the West Coast. Timam—A' sharp earthquake was felt in Timaru about 7 a.m. to-day. Some people were awakened by the tremors which were quite distinct, and clear rattling was heard from household fixtures. The tremors lasted for only a few seconds, but caused swingfag of hanging lamps and other suspended articles,