SMASH AT WESTPORT

Evening Post, Volume CVII, Issue 139, 17 June 1929, Page 10

SMASH AT WESTPORT

! POST OFFICE -ROINED A WIRELESS REPORT - The Acting-Secretary, General Post Office, lias received the following reports in connection with the earthquake experienced this morning:-— . From the Chief; Postmaster, "Westport: "Disastrous earthquake demolish- : ed: post .office tower , about 10.15 this morning. Other parts of building collapsed. No one injured. Public Works engineer considers building damaged beyond repair.- Much, damage done to property in- town. Practically no chimneys left standing. Endeavouring to secure temporary premises. All communication lost. . "Lines apparently down all directions. Impossible to obtain reports re j damage to neighbouring towns. No loss of life reported. One child's leg amputated a3 result of'damage; to school. Quakes still continviing at very frequent intervals." ' ' ; ' " • ■■' The message from the Chief Postmaster, Westport, was received by wireless, all normal. communication to that district being interrupted. There are numerous interruptions nto telegraph and telephone lines in the South Island, and at present it is not possible to obtain reports from some districts.

Prom the Chief Postmaster, Nelson: "Very severe earthquake experienced in Nelson at 10,17 a.m. Many chimneys fell and buildings in the city damaged. At post office several chimneys damaged; one stack is nnaaf c and will be dismantled forthwith. Swaying of clock tower has badly cracked plaster in upstairs portion of building. Slight cracking noticeable in tower and a heavy pediment .fell from building to ; fobtpath above private boxes lobby.' Shocks still being felt." . . . . >

From the. postmaster, Motueka: "Very severe shock of earthquake experienced at 10.20 a.m. Chimneys dowa in all directions. Experiencing minor shocks, at intervals. .Post office building cracked .in several places." Greymputh reports by wireless :— "Extraordinarily heavy earthquake experienced West Coast districts, Reefton 10.17 a.m., Grey mouth 10:19 a.m., Hokitika 10.20 a.m. Damage to Departmental buildings find property will be heavy, but owing'to damage to lines, is not yet aseertainable. Damage to private property also extensile, but no loss of life reported." ;