"MONSTER UPON US"

Evening Post, Volume CVII, Issue 150, 29 June 1929, Page 10

"MONSTER UPON US"

SEDDOiTOLLE STORY

ALARM IN MINES

(By Telegraph.—Press Association.) WESTPORT, This Day. The Seddonville correspondent of the "Westport News" writes:—At exactly 10,20 a.m. on the 17th June, with a whistling shriek, the monster was upon us, haying approached from the sea, i.e., north-west. The whole place, valley, and hills, was one heaving mass on which it was impossible to keep one's feet. Chimneys fell in all directions. Water tanks burst, crockery and glassware joined in one mighty crash. Everywhere on the flat large cracks appeared, and water and mud shot up to a height of several feet. The shake then hit Mt. Glasgow, but the old soldier stood firm. The earthquake entered the narrow Mokihinui Gorge, where a tremendous bombardment commenced. Fire flashed from the falling stones, and clouds of dust and steam arose over the valley. Anyone who wishes to see the tremendous power of Nature should pay a visit to Welcome Bay, where thousands of tons of material, containing huge blocks of stone from 50 to 100 tons in weight, have been blown off the mountain side right across Mokihinui for a distance-of from 20 to 30 chains.

In the mines the shake was really terrifying, and very few expected to get out alive. However, when the count was made it was found that all but two had escaped. While the miners were busy risking their lives to get at the bodies of their two mates, others made a search as far as the country huts up the old Karainea track, for the two Eussels, who had left for Tate's Farm an hour before tho shake. No trace of them cauld be found, however, and lon Friday morning a party consisting of Messrs. W. Mumu, G. Tate, and G. Stuart set off to try and get through to W. Beaii, who was up in Tate's top hut. '"■;.■ '

The whole country was still on the move, and the weather was atrocious. The party was successful, returning on Monday night with Bean, who was none the worse for his experience. • Looking round Seddonville now, one sees a scene of desolation. Only one brick chimney remains standing. Hardly a house has its tanks left. Numbers of houses aro off the piles and stand on the ground. The bins and flumings of the various mines are badly damaged and it will take some weeks to repair them. All around the hills have slipped, and where before were bush-clad faces there now stands huge bare slips. During this trying timo. everyone has worked for the common good, and committees have been formed to assess the damage and render assistance to those needing it.