“Major ’Quake Unlikely”

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30632, 24 December 1964, Page 12

“Major ’Quake Unlikely”

(N.Z. Press dissociation) WELLINGTON, December 22.

Swarms of small earthquakes, as recently felt in Taupo, are not infrequent in the North Island. They usually die away without leading to a major earthquake, Dr. R. D. Adams, superintendent, seismological observatory, D.5.1.R., said today.

It was not yet possible to predict the occurrence of large earthquakes, Dr. Adams said. The observatory operated a station at Wairakei and was watching the records for signs of unusual activity. “The present swarm of earthquakes brings to mind the swarm of 1922, during which shocks were felt in the Taupo region from May to De-

cember,” Dr. Adams said. “Up. to 100 shocks were reported* ip one day, most of them of low intensity. No major damage was caused by the swarm.

“The largest of the earthquakes appears to have been of greater magnitude than any that have so far occurred during the present swarm, but would still be classed only as ‘moderate’ earthquakes.

“The 1922 swarm was accompanied by a subsidence of part of the northern edge of Lake Taupo, between Whakaipo and Whangamata Bays, in some places up to seven feet.

A Rotorua report says 29 earth tremors were recorded in the Taupo area during the last 24 hours, at least five of them being noticeable shakes.

Some slight damage occurred yesterday morning. A concrete block chimney at Mr R. Dunbar’s house, in Tui street, shifted on its foundations causing the fire brick inside to collapse.

Some cracks appeared in the Spa Road Motors building which the Taupo borough building inspector, Mr V. Christensen, said were of no danger.