Quake Puzzles Seismologists

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30273, 12 April 1965, Page 1

Quake Puzzles Seismologists

A widespread earthquake was felt in Canterbury at 12.12 p.m. yesterday but no damage has been reported. It lasted several seconds, and had a gentle rolling motion.

The earthquake set lights swinging and stopped some electric clocks.

The Postmaster at Cheviot, Mr J. S. McCaw, said yesterday afternoon that he had no reports of damage. Nothing was disturbed in the general store.

According to a Press Association message from Wellington the centre of the earthquake was about 200 miles south-west of Wellington and it was puzzling scientists at the Seismological Observatory.

The earthquake, felt at 12.11 p.m.. registered 6.5 on the Richter scale. An official of the observatory said last night that although the earthquake had been felt from Wanganui to Christchurch severe tremors had not been recorded in any area.

"This is most unusual," he said. “An earthquake which

is felt over such a wide area should be felt strongly near its origin."

Unless damage reports were received seismologists would have no early indication where the earthquake was centred.

"At present, all we know that it occurred about 200 miles from Wellington in the south-west sector.” he said. The earthquake could have been dangerous to a built-up area near its centre. An earthquake registering i 6.0 on the Richter scale had

jolted Westport in 1962, toppling chimneys and smashing crockery. Mr T. L. Owen, watchman at a Woolston factory, saw the surface of the Heathcote river change from its usual placid appearance to a swirling body of water. “It looked as if it was being swished around in a basin.” he said.

The earthquake was also felt at Akaroa. at 12.15 p.m. It lasted about three seconds and rattled windows, but no damage was done. The earthquake lasted in Westport for several seconds but no damage was reported.