GROUND RIVEN BY EARTHQUAKE

Dominion, Volume 22, Issue 266, 6 August 1929, Page 11

GROUND RIVEN BY EARTHQUAKE

“WHOLE CONTOUR CHANGED’’ , By Telegraph—Tress Association. . Westport, August 4. ’ “This is probably part of the main fault. It is about a mile and a half from the foot of Mount Radiant. The whole contour of this part has changed so much it is hard to believe it is the same place. Some hills have been covered up or- have sunk. There are hundreds of acres of mud rocks and broken timber from the main slips which have been buried 50 feet deep two miles down the valley. Some of the spurs leading to the top of Mount Radiant have broken off and flattened right out. The fault is across the valley and parallel to the main range,” Mr. T. W. Rex, Te Namu, writes to the “Westport News.” “I think the great disturbance that has taken place in Blue Duck Valley, Te Namu. should be investigated. I was up this valley a few days ago with Mr. Auton. the only settler living there. I was in this valley a few years ago, and thank my lucky stars that I was out of it during the big shake. Fite chains from where we lived the ground has sunk about 15 feet, forming a big slip or terrace across the paddock, and into the bush—how far I cannot say. As far as we could see the trees are thrown over. I am sure the ground has sunk.” Mr. E. De Malmauche, who was out with Dr. Boussard, the Swiss geologist (the latter is understood to be residing at Dannevirke), confirms the previous reports of the big upthrust at Llewellyn’s, on the coast north, of Mokiliinui. Crayfish, crabs, shells and mussels on the stone are all in evidence. Dr. Boussard is reported as saying that never before in the history of the world has an earthquake done so much damage to land as was done by that in New Zealand on June 17. Earthquakes are still in evidence, the biggest recently being at 6.28 on Saturday evening, with several lesser shakes during to-night and to-day. “FANTASTIC STATEMENTS” DR. BOUSSARD PROTESTS By Telegraph—Press Association. Westport, August 5. Dr. Boussard telegraphs from Palmerston North protesting against statements ascribed to him in connection with tho earthquake by unauthorised persons, and declares the same are fantastic.