SEVERE EARTHQUAKE IN NORTH ISLAND

Lake Wakatip Mail, Issue 4572, 2 July 1942, Page 3

SEVERE EARTHQUAKE IN NORTH ISLAND

A very severe earthquake occurred in the North Island on Wednesday night, 24th. ult. The Wairarapa district received the worst jolt. In Masterton the post office was badly damaged and brick buildings suffered severely. Houses suffered through chimneys falling through the roofs and the shopping area was badly affected. Rail, water and electricity services suffered through the upheaval. Palmerston North advised that in one of the three most severe shakes power lines were snapped and goods thrown from display shelves in shops. Household goods were also strewn about the floors of many houses. Featherston, Greytown and many other smaller places were all more or less affected. Wellington experienced four earthquakes late on Wednesday night and early Thursday morning. It did a considerable amount of damage mostly to chimneys and windows. Window dressings were upset and some windows collapsed. In Parliament buildings the plaster was shaken down. The marble bust of the Rt. Hon. E. J. Seddon in the vestibule was shaken from its pedestal and broken. The Government has promised assistance and also the release of tradesmen from the camps to restore the damage.