TIDAL WAVE OF 1868

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29220, 2 June 1960, Page 6

TIDAL WAVE OF 1868

Article In Old Magazine

Earthquakes in South America and their subsequent tidal activity around New Zealand shores recall an earlier experience on August 13, 1868, when a violent earthquake in Peru caused what became known as the “biggest sea wave ever known.” Information on this occurrence is contained in Frasers Magazine of July, 1870, a copy of which is in the possession of a Murchison resident, Mrs Douglas Conway. TTie particular earthquake, which took a tremendous toll of life and property, caused, as in the recent Chilean disaster, a great sea wave. After dealing with the wave’s effect on various Pacific islands, the article in the magazine states:— “The wave which visited the New Zealand Isles was altogether different in character . . . where the shore is shelving, there will first be a retreat of the water, and then the wave will break upon the beach and roll far in upon the land. “This is precisely what happened when the great wave reached the eastern shores of New Zealand, which are known to shelve down to very shallow water, continuing far away to sea towards the east.

“At about half past three on the morning of August 14, the water began to retreat in a singular manner from the Port of Lyttelton. on the eastern shores of the New Zealand Isles. At length the whole port was left entirely drv, and so remained for about 20 minutes.

“Then the water was seen returning like a wall of foam 10 or 12 feet in height, which rushed upon the town and nort with tremendous noise. Towards five o’clock the water again retired, very slowly as before, not reaching its lowest ebb till six. An hour later, a second huge wave inundated the port.

“Four times the sea retired and returned with great power at intervals of about two hours. Afterwards the oscillation of the water was considerable, but it had not wholly ceased until August 17. and only on the 18th did the regular ebb and flow of the tide recommence.

Cigarettes Stolen.—Cigarettes valued at £lO were stolen from the bookshop of Arthur John Henry, 10 Chancery . lane, by thieves who forced a door during the week-end. Car Converted.—A 1947 Vauxhall car, number 343-140, was taken from Harper avenue some time between 9.45 am. and 12.15 pmon Tuesday.