OCEAN UPHEAVAL

Northern Advocate, 2 August 1924, Page 5

OCEAN UPHEAVAL

SWELLING TIDAL WAVE. 1 CHATHAMS CONSTERNATION. RTJSH FOR SAFETY. , CHRISTCHURCH, This Day. Reports of a tidal wave which did -considerable damage at the Chatham Islands on July 21 were brought by the steamer Tees, which arrived at Lyitelton las: night. The wave swept inland about five chains on the eastern ssle of the island, A trawler belonging to the Kaingaroa Fishing Company was lost and another smashed. A dam Twhich supplies the company with fresh water was washed away. Pitt Island ■wharf was swept away and some of the beaches were cleared of shell.

When 100 miles out from the island -the Tees encountered the effects of a -wave, which caused the ship to Iseei over. As a result of water getting into the engine room the high pressure -cylinder cracked, necessitating temporary repairs, during which the vessel was hove-to. The run to the Chatirams proved a strenuous time for the crew and 15 passengers. 'Waitangi 'was reached at 8 o'clock on July 24, -after a trip taking four and a half -flays, which under normal weather conditions could be done in 48 hours. Speaking of- damage at the Chatham? Captain Dowell said that Kaingaroa Lake, which gives a supply of fresh water to the Kaingaroa Company, had been washed out through the carrying away of the dam. The lake had been drained and it would cost a considerable sum to rebuild the dam. Pitt Island wharf was completely washed away, not a sign-of it remaiTiing. A dinghy and a surf boat were washed up the creek for a distance of 80 yards.

The roar of the wave was heard at Owenga before it reached the shore, and at Dainoarba some fishermen who were playing cards went out to see what was amiss. On seeing thre wave they made a rush inland to the bush.

The west side of the island was not affected, the only east-side places that suffered being Kaingaroa, Pitt Island and Mangere Island. At the laSt-naru-ed place a big landslide occurred. — Press Assn.