THE EARTHQUAKE

Horowhenua Chronicle, 17 March 1923, Page 3

THE EARTHQUAKE

RELATED TO TAUPO TREMORS

NO NEED FOR ALARM

(Per Press Association ] Wellington, March 17

■ In connection with the earthquake reported here last night, Dr. Adams, (Government Seismologist, says from descriptions given it seemed as if Hie earthquake bore, a resemblance to the disturbances which occurred at Taupo some time ago. Recently he had had reports from Hulls and the Rangitikei districts stating that quite a number of earth shocks nci.-nt red in that district, and these have been characterised by a considerable amount of vertical motion. From what had been •bserved, Dr. Adams remarked that it certainly looked as if tiie phenomena which occurred a.t Taupo were working down this way. In any case there was no need for any alarm, because it was probable that the various shocks Svhieh had taken place between Taupo and here might have tin easing down tendency and thus minimise to a very great extend tlie effects ol iurther shocks if they did take place.

A sharp earthquake shock lasting about five seconds was experienced in Levin at 8.50 last evening. At Palmerston the earthquake's coming was preceded by the usual rumbling and slight shake, which developed into a peculiar jarring vertical movement. Apparently the disturbance came from a northerly direction.

Feildiug- fell the earthquake just before nine o'clock, and the town clock was so- .startled that, it struck two.

A panic was narrowly averted ,at the Palmerston Opera House, where ;t concert was in progress. Miss O'Brien was singing “Tiie Last Bose of .'Summer'' when the first earth tremor was noticed in tiie building, and she hud hardly finished the second verse when the building began rucking violently, the huge gas chandeliers i-waying perceptibly. One lady in the dross circle tainted, and there was a general sign of commotion, people beginning lo make for the doors. A gentleman requested everyone to "keep calm,'’ bin this seemed • f no avail, and Miss O’Brien, who had slopped singing, went forward again lo the footlights, and calmly continued flic strains of the “Last Hose of Summer.” When the audience saw' the calmness of the performer they decided to remain, and vociferously applauded the young lady for her presence of mind.