EARTHQUAKE IN OTAGO

Press, Volume LXXIX, Issue 23943, 10 May 1943, Page 4

EARTHQUAKE IN OTAGO

MOST SEVERE WITHIN MEMORY NO DAMAGE REPORTED (P.A.) DUNEDIN. May 9. An earthquake considered to be the most severe in the memory of Otago residents was experienced throughout the province at 5.35 o'clock last night. The disturbance, which consisted of two major jolts, was accompanied by sustained tremors and a roaring sound. No structural damage has been reported. but movable objects in homes and shops, particularly in Central Otago, were thrown about. SHARP TREMORS No material damage has been reported in Canterbury from Saturday evening's brief earthquake, apparently fairly intense in districts further south. Tremors of minor intensity were felt in Christchurch shortly after 5.30 o’clock on Saturday evening. However, the disturbance was insufficient to be noticed by many people. No record of its intensity was available last evening. Two tremors, the first more pronounced. but both lasting only a few seconds, were felt at Ashburton. A report from Geraldine, however, indicated that the shake had been definite and sharp, and it was described by some residents as the most severe in the locality since the Murchison earthquake—sufficiently severe to make some persons leave buildings. A Press Association message from Timaru also described the earthquake as the sharpest since that at Murchison, alarming many persons into hurrying out of doors. Another report from Timaru yesterday stated that the main tremor was preceded by several minor ones, lasting in all about 30 seconds. According to a report from Waimate, the tremor was the most violent ever felt there. There was no swaying movement, but the ground trembled for several seconds, rattling windows violently.