Earthquake Shocks In North And South Islands

Northern Advocate, 16 January 1948, Page 2

Earthquake Shocks In North And South Islands

AUCKLAND, Fri. (Sp.)— Causing damage of a minor nature which was largely confined to Wanganui, a sharp earthquake was felt in many parts of the North Island and the northern part of the South Island at about 5 o’clock yesterday afternoon. There were no casualties.

Wanganui experienced the strongest shake at 5.2 p.m., and this was also felt in Wellington and Auckland. Other towns which experienced tlie tremor were Gisborne. Napier. Taupo, New Plymouth, Palmerston North, Mar ton, Taihape, Levin, Farewell Spit, and Nelson. Parts of Marlborough also were affected. WINDOWS BROKEN

last night that none of its property in the Wanganui district had been damaged. Six slight tremors had been felt in the • district over the last week-end. Shoppers and office workers scattered for open spaces when a tremor of 15 minutes’ duration struck Wellington, preceded by a loud rumbling noise and followed by three dull, heavy jolts. BUILDINGS SWAY Some of the older buildings in the city are reported to have swayed considerably, and several were stopped. The exact strength of the tremor would not be known until the seismograph was inspected, said .an official of the Dominion Observatory, but he estimated the earthquake at grade four on the Mercalli scale. No information could be given of the centre of disturbance. Grade four on the Meifalli scale is reached when the tremors are felt both inside and outside buildings, when clocks stop, ornaments and lights swing, stationary motor cars rock and people become startled. A later report from Wanganui estimated the strength at grade five.

At Wanganui the earthquake began as a slight tremor which suddenly developed into a sharp jolt. Three large plate glass windows were shattered, and bottles and glassware fell from shelves.

Bridges have been examined by the Railways Department, which reported