EARTH SUBSIDENCE.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXII, Issue 1751, 17 May 1906, Page 1

EARTH SUBSIDENCE.

EXTENSIVE DAMA.GE AT NEWCASTLE. Bj talagraih, Prcksa Aos’n, Copyright Sydney, May 16. A sensational subsidence occurred at. Newcastle last night at Shopherd’s Hill, which forms one of the most favored residential sites, and occupies a position adjacent to the underground workings of the fceapit mino. It is surmised a creep has taken place in some portion of tho workings,

'ace in some portion of tho workings, causing the surface to bo rent and buckled about. An area of 300 acres has suffered.

Terrace street is considerably affected by the subsidence.

UAlloaa *r» „ water and gas mains have been twisted and broken. The residents of the hill felt the earth trembling, the effect being most severe about half-way up Terrace street.

The walls of houses were thrown out of plumb, the cracks ranging up to two inches wide. Lawns and back yards are lined with crevices.

The residents quickly evacuated their homes, many seeking refuge with relatives or at hotels in the city. The masonry at the forts is cracked in places, and much injury has been done to the gun mountings. Viewed from any point, it seemed as if the whole hill had lost its foundation, and subsided a couple of inches.

The rupture of the water mains drained the high pressure tank, containing several thousand gallons, on Open Hill. The water has not come to the surface, but found its way underground. A further subsidence is feared.

Later.—The water is escaping fast from the main reservoir at Newcastle. A gang of men are endeavoring to stop the outflow.