SHARP EARTHQUAKE

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXI, 16 November 1937, Page 5

SHARP EARTHQUAKE

HAWKES BAY DISTRICT SHAKEN FELT IN OTHER CENTRES ALSO [By Telegraph—Presß Association! HASTINGS, 15th November. A sharp earthquake of a duration of 10 seconds occurred in Hawkes Bay at 2.18 o’clock this afternoon. It was severe enough to send many people out of doors, but no damage is reported. The shake was felt along the whole coast from Waipawa to Wairoa. Some localities report a sudden upward jolt and others experienced a swaying motion only. The sway was sufficient to set in action the clock chimes in the Hastings memorial clock tower. Coming as something in the nature of a climax to very unusual weather conditions, the earthquake at Porangahau was described by a resident to-night as “pretty severe, with a tremendous sway.” Apparently the shake was more prolonged there than it was at Napier and Hastings. At least one chimney was damaged and will have to be replaced. Telephonic communication was interrupted for some hours. The postmaster at Porangahau said to-night that there was a severe electrical storm this morning between Porangahau and Waipukurau, though Porangahau escaped it entirely and experienced bright sunshine. The storm came from the direction of Mangaorapa and passed through Wanstead and Wallingford. It was unusually hot at Porangahau at mid-day to-day. Heavy sea fogs have been experienced along the coast at Porangahau since Saturday, and there is a heavy one to-night. Dannevirke experienced a sharp shock, followed by swaying for approximately 30 seconds. The movement seemed to be in an cast and west direction. No damage was reported. Taihapc had a prolonged shake with considerabe movement, but no damage is reported. A Wanganui message states that the shock was felt at Wanganui at 2.30 p.m. It lasted about 18 seconds and, though short, was comparatively sharp.