SEVERE EARTHQUAKE IN THE MIDDLE ISLAND.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVII, Issue 6442, 6 December 1881, Page 2

SEVERE EARTHQUAKE IN THE MIDDLE ISLAND.

The moat severe earthquake which has been felt in the Middle Island for a number of years occurred yesterday morning, the wave extending from Timaru northwards, two very slight yet distinct shocks being also felt in Wellington. Most exaggerated reports were spread about this city as to the amount of damage which had been sustained at Christchurch. Two or three private telegrams conveyed the news that the tower of the recentlycompleted cathedral had been damaged, but to what extent was not then known. This was soon enlarged upon, and before further messages arrived it was freely stated that the tower had been split, arid that a portion of it had fallen on Warner’s Hotel; also, that nearly every brick building in that city had been damaged. The town of ICumara, on the West Coast, was said to be in ruins. We are glad to bs in a position to state that the damage sustained by the tower of the Cathedral is very triSing indeed, only a piece of ornamental stone having been displaced. Captain Edwin received telegrams announcing the shake from several telegraph stations, but they give no facts supplementary te those contained in the following messages, which have been received through the United Press Association ; Hokitika, December 5.

A severe shock of earthquake was felt here at 7.35 a.m. Its duration was over SOseos, and the direction South to North. Westpobt, December 5.

Three distinct shocks of earthquake, of more than ordinary force, were experienced here at Lyell and Charleston at 7.31 this morning. AshbcbtOX, December 5.

A very sharp shock of earthquake was felt here this morning at 7.30, It. lasted about 20seos, The shock was preceded by heavy rain, and passed from east to west. Gketmoctb:, December 5.

Two very sharp and distinct shocks of earthquake—the heaviest ever- experienced here—were ft-lt this morning at 7.33- The first shock and vibration came from seaward, west to east, the second being north to south, Doth lasted between 20 and SOsecs, and houses were visibly shaken, but no damage was done. The same shocks were also felt at Ahanra, The telegraphist described it as “ fearful.” ■ It has since been ascertained that a slight shook of earthquake was felt on Sunday oven-

ing about, 7.30, and. another about 2.1 next morning, .of considerable duration, and accompanied by a rhmbling sound. i - Dunedin, December 5.

A sheet £)f earthquake was felt here this morning. There seemed to be six shocks in immediate succession. , , ' Lyttelton, December 5. The clock at the time-ball tower was stopped by the earthquake, the time being 7h 36min 43sec. Lteix, December 5. A smart shock of earthquake was felt at 7.87 this morning. The duration was ssec, and the direction of the vibration east and west. Kumaea, December 5. Two shocks of earthquake were felt here this morning at 7.35. The first, a slight shock, appeared to come from the north-west, like a gust of wind. The other, which occurred a second later, was the heaviest experienced on the West Coast since 18»3. The direction was south-west to north-east, like an upheaval. Timauu, December 5. A distinct shock of earthquake, lasting some seconds, was felt here at 7.30 this morning. Christchurch, December 5. The severest shock of earthquake experienced since 1868 occurred shortly before 8 o’clock this morning. The vibration continued about 45sec, direction N.F. to S.W. No serious damage is reported. A small piece of ornamental stoue-mounting was displaced from the summit of the Cathedral spire, and fell on the asphalte pavement, making a deep indentation. Later. The time of the earthquake was 7.87 a.m., and the duration was some lOsec. It was sharp at first, then a gentle undulation continued for a few seconds, winding up with a smarter shock than the first. A portion of the Cathedral spire is somewhat disturbed by the loss of the stone from the cross at the summit, and it will be rather awkward to repair. At present no particularly heavy damage is reported, but many buildings are, more or less, cracked, and it is possible that the damage may be found to be more extensive than is at present supposed. Some of the Cathedral bells were set ringing for seven or eight strokes by the shock. The general opinion appears to be that while the shock was more persistent than that of 1838, it was hardly so sharp. The second earthquake reported this afternoon is dubious.