WOODVILLE’S WORST SHOCK

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXIV, 3 February 1931, Page 5

WOODVILLE’S WORST SHOCK

CHIMNEYS DOWN IN ALL DIRECTIONS SEVERAL NARROW ESCAPES WOODVILL IC, This Day. A tremendous earthquake occurred here about 10.40 this morning. It was preceded by a loud rumbling roar and continued for nearly half a ininule. People were alarmed and rushed into the streets. Falling chimneys, cracking glass, with swaying trees and telegraph poles created consternation. It was easily the worst shock ever experienced in the district Chimneys are down in all directions. Much damage was done to shops and private houses. Several narrow escapes occurred, but no personal injury is reported. Women fainted in one or two cases. The electric power is off and the telephone service is intewupted. A second shock, less violent, occurred shortly after 11 o’clock. FURTHER IN TERM ITT EN T SHAKES ANXIETY OF RESIDENTS WOODVI LEE, This Day. Later. Since the first big shake before 11 o'clock there have, been intermittent shakes since in varied degrees of severity, and residents are feeling very anxious. The train service has been dislocated. The railway viaduct at Kopu, near Ormomlville, Relief trains are being sent from Woodvillc. Reports from country districts show that much damage has been done. Children in schools were terrified but there was no panic. At the local gasworks the holder swayed so violently that water was thrown out and covered the streets for some distance.