GREAT EARTHQUAKE.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVII, Issue 17533, 17 July 1917, Page 4

GREAT EARTHQUAKE.

SAMOA VIOLENTLY SHAKEN

ACRES OF TREES UPROOTED. [Per Press Association.] . AUCKLAND, July 16. Particulars received hero regarding the earthquake and th e great earthquake wave in the Samoa Group on Juno 25 show that there were alarming tremors extending over a period of two minutes. Buildings at Apia were violently shaken, and the Custom House, a concrete building, was considerably damaged. Residences and stores suf-. fered, but to a less extent. Many subsidences occurred, one near the principal stores about thirty feet square. The earthquake reached its maximum in the mountains of tho interior of Upohi Island. The ground was agitated like the waves of the oceaa Acres of trees were uprooted and masses of rock wero hurled down the mountain sides.

An earthquake wave followed, the full force of which was experienced on the sido opposite to Apia., and was severely felt on the Aleijiata coast and at Lolofaga, on the island of Savaii. At Pangopango. Harbour, TutuftV Island, the tide was dead low, but the sea swept oyer the beach into the adjacent native houses, carrying everything before it. The inhabitants fled terror-stricken to the hills. The Mormon church at Pangopango was demolished.

Tho wave was almost spent on reachin" Ha-apai, in the Friendly Islands, but it caused the loss of several cutters and flooded shops and dwellings.