North Canterbury Shaken

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26779, 24 May 1948, Page 4

North Canterbury Shaken

MANY CHIMNEYS DOWN Widespread Havoc Reported P.A. CHRISTCHURCH, May 23. With the centre believed to be near Waiau, 82 miles north of Christchurch, several earthquake shocks rocked North Canterbury towns this morning. The main damage /was in the township of Waiau where from 100 to 150 chimneys were brought down. Goods were damaged in shops, windows were broken and almost every household suffered some damage through broken crockery. At Hanmer Springs a few chimneys were brought down and, because of their duration, the earthquakes caused considerable concern. Some sheep stations in the high country district between Waiau and Hanmer Springs reported heavy damage to homesteads. Hossack station, managed by Mr A. G. Rae, lost all its chimneys and at Sherwood station, owned by the Burbury family, the upper storey of the two-storeyed homestead was twisted badly, the house suffering considerable structural damage as well as losing all its chimneys. At Waiau the earthquake gave residents a terrifying experience and the shocks continued throughout the morning. In one church, the baptismal font was shaken from its foundations and almost every building showed some trace of damage. The local hotel suffered heavy damage from bottle breakages. * In Christchurch itself, the first shock, just after 7 a.m., woke many people. In some city hotels guests rushed from their rooms in alarm. The shocks continued until after 9 a.m. in Christchurch and further north were reported to have continued until after 1 o’clock. Several earthquake shocks between 7.3 and 9.30 this morning were experienced at Greymouth, Reefton, Murchison and adjacent areas. The severest shock, lasting 30 seconds, occurred about 7.19, alarming many, including a church congregation at Greymouth. No damage was reported.