SEVERE EARTHQUAKE.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1032, 11 December 1891, Page 38

SEVERE EARTHQUAKE.

Much commotion was caused in Wellington at twenty minutes to 5 on Friday morn, ing by one of the severest shocks of earthquake whioh has been known for a long time past. The first symptoms were in tho form of a low rumbling noise, followed by very heavy vibrations, accompanied by a sharp shock and a circular movement, the main shock lasting fully 15 seconds. The quake altogether continued for fully thirty seconds, waking all but the heaviest sleepers, and causing orookery to rattle and walls to shako in a most threatening manner. At the police station a good deal of alarm was caused, seven of the constables leaving their beds and rushing to the entranco to see what was the reason of the commotion. Fortunately no damage was done, although the vibration was so great that the bells in the Post Office tower were set clanging. A very slight shock- of earthquako was felt in Wellington at 1 o’clock on Tuesday morning. The Museum seizmometer recotds a slight movement from east to west. (BY TELEGRAPH.—OWN CORRESPONDENT.) Mabterton, December 4. The most severe shock of earthquake experienced in the district for many years occurred at a quarter to 5 this morning. The shock was preceded by -loud rumbling noise. Clocks were stopped and crockery thrown down. At Alfredton and Mangaone several chimneys oollapsed. The shock was also severely felt at Carterton, Greytown, Tenui, and Eketahuna, but no damage is reported. Tho direction of the shock was from north-west to south-east, three distinct shocks lasting thirty seconds. (press association.) Feilding, December 4. A very heavy earthquake was experienced this morning at 4.40 o’clock. No damage is reported. Wanganui, December 4. A protraoted earth tremor occurred here at 4.40 this morning. Palmerston Norik, December 4. A severe shook of earthquake waß felt at 4.40 this morning.

Woodville, December 4. One of the most severe earthquakes experienced here occurred about 2d minutes to 5 this morning. There were two shocks, and the direction was east to west. Napier, December 4. A sharp shock of earthquake was felt at 4.35 this morning. Marton, December 4. An earthquake lasting fully a minute occurred here at 4.41 this morning. It was one of the severest experienced for years. (press association.) Masterton, December S. A sharp shock of earthquake was felt here shortly after one o’clock this morning.