THE EARTHQUAKE IN INDIA.

Otago Witness, Issue 2667, 26 April 1905, Page 23

THE EARTHQUAKE IN INDIA.

[Per Sonoma, at Auckland.] CALCUTTA, April 5. Accounts from the various cities tell a tale of severe damage to property arising from the earthquakes on the morning of April 4, but it is impossible as yet to estimate the extent of the loss of life. Reports indicate that Dharmsala felt the full force of the shock. The deaths include Mr O. W. Loxton, who only the previous clay had assumed the office of District Judge from Captain Elliott, who, with his family, left the same day. escaping- the shock. Mrs Loxfcon's fate is not known. Others who perched were:— Mr F. M. Lovi. Mr' C. T. Young, Mr T. Miller, and Mr F. Farleys (all public officials). Captain Muscroft, Mr-i and the two Misses Robinson. Colonel Robinson appears to ha\c survived Personal stories from Mussoree state that the reverberation which preceded the shook never will be forgotten by those who heard it. Mountains heavpd and swayed for a full minute, and then three severe shocks, each lasting a few second*, were felt in quick succession. Between 6 o'clock on the morning: of April 4- and midnight there were 12 shocks. The day was fine and clear, and most of the inhabitants were already up when the first shock came. Those who were <=.till in bed described the motion as beinQ like that of a ship in a rouorb «;ea, while those on foot found it impossible to maintain their balance. Many narrow escapes are reported The effect of the shook, in sickness and dizziness with many still continues

LAHORE, April 4. The Hill Station, Dharmsala. was practically razed to tli<= ground by the oarthqualces. The native quarter wa"! entirely obliterated, and many of tlip inhabitants were buried in the ruins. l\fo=.t of the houses in the European quarter were

wrecked, and nine persons were killed. People are sleeping in the open air. Fooo id not procurable, and the great distress prevailing is accentuated by keen frost. The entire population is homeless, and ia encamped on the adjoining hillsides without protection, and practically entirely without ' medical aid. The Europeans killed at Dharmsala were: — Mrs Robinson (wife of tire colonel commanding the troops there) and her two daughters, Mrs Holderness, Captain Muscroft, and four members of the Inrli^n Civj] Service. Scvonty natives were killed, aud many wore injured in the native quarter of Lahore