’QUAKE FELT OVER WIDE AREA IN BOTH ISLANDS

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 22868, 11 February 1949, Page 6

’QUAKE FELT OVER WIDE AREA IN BOTH ISLANDS

(P.A.) WELLINGTON. Feb. 10 A fairly sharp earthquake, estimated at four on the Mercalli scale, of 45 seconds duration, was felt in Wellington at 5.31 a.m. today. The Dominion Observatory stated that the centre of the shock, which was not of volcanic origin, was probably within 150 miles of WellingtonA report from Taumarunui states that the quake was felt there at 5.30 a.m. Although not severe it was one of the longest in duration ever experienced in that area. Christchurch reports that an earthquake shock was felt in Canterbury about 5.30 a.m. At Timaru the shock was recorded at 5.34. It was strong enough to cause electric lights to swing a few inches. The motion was sustained for about 10 seconds and appeared to be from north-east to southwest. At the Christchurch magnetic observatory two shocks were recorded within a few seconds after 5.30 a.m. The centre of the disturbance appeared to be 140 miles from Wellington, but in what direction the Christchurch Observatory could not say. A message from Raetihi states that although felt sufficiently to rattle doors and windows and awaken sleepers, an earthquake felt at 5.30 o’clock this morning caused no damage in the Waimarino district.