HANMER SHAKEN

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 80, 31 August 1945, Page 2

HANMER SHAKEN

SERIES OF EARTHQUAKES 31 NIGHTMARE HOURS VISITORS LEAVE RESORT HURRIEDLY Christchurch, This Day The worst series of earthquake shocks in memory was experienced at Hanmer Springs yesterday and to-day and residents are now congratulating themselves on the apparent end of 27 nightmare hours, during which the earth never seamed to stop moving. Though at least three of the shocks were strong enough to bring down eliimnevs and crack masonry walls, no one was injured. At least 18 major shocks were recorded during the period between 3 58 a.m. yesterday and 7.3 a.m. to-day.

Visitors to Hanmer Springs did not approve of the earthquakes and left hurriedly during the day by private car and late last night, when two .-oecial buses were put on to evacuate

Structural damage was done to the Lodge and many of the guests panicked after the first big quake. The first shock was accompanied by a roaring sound like thunder, which diminished with the coming of the earthquake. The ground heaved and billowed. tree* and telegraph poles rocked degrees out of the perpendicular and houses rolled like ships. The first shock was recorded as Scal« VI. on the Rossi-Forel measurement of strength, sufficient to be felt by all and cause fright, to shift heavy furniture and cause plaster and chimneys to fall. After five comparatively minor shocks ranging between Scale 111. and IV enough to be felt and to shake buildings, there was another Scale VI or VII. shock at 4.55 p.c*., followed by four slighter shocks and another Scale VI. or VII. shock at 10.25 p.m. Minor earthquakes were felt all night, culminating in a Scale IV. shock at 7.3 a.m to-day.—P.A.