A NEWCASTLE SENSATION.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XXXIII, Issue 10692, 16 May 1906, Page 2

A NEWCASTLE SENSATION.

EXTENSIVE EARTH SUBSIDENCE. GREAT DAMAGE IN RESIDENTIAL QUARTER. PEOPLE EVACUATE THEIR HOUSES. (Press Assn.— By Telegraph.-— Copyright.) (Received May 16, 9.10 a.m.) SYDNEY, May 16. A sensational subsidence occurred at Newcastle last night at Shepherd's Hill, which forms one of the most favored residential sites, and' occupies a position adjacent to tlie underground workings of ttie Seapit mine. It is surmised a creep has taken place m some portions of tlie workings, causing the surface to be rent and buckled about. An area of three hundred acres has suffered. Terrace street is considerably affected by the subsidence. The houses m the quarter affected are mostly brick, and every one of them is ■ . more or le«g damaged, while water and gas mains liaVe been twisted and broken. Tlie residents of the hill felt the earth, trembling, tlie effect being most severe about half-way Ut> Terrace street. The walls of houses were thrown out of plumb, the cracks ranging un to two inches wide. Lawns and back yards are lined with orevices. 'I The residents quickly evacuated tlieir homes, many seeking "refuge with relatives or at hb^iels m the city. The masonry at tlie forte is cracked m places, and much injury has been done co the gun mountings. Viewed from any point, it seemed as if tine whole hill had lost its foundation, and subsided a couple of inches. The ruptured of the water mains drained the high pressure tank, containing several thousand gallons on Open Hill. Tlie water has not come to the surface, but found its way under-ground. A further subsidence is feared. later.— Tlie water is escaping fast from the main reservoir at Newcastle. A gang of men are endeavoring to stop tlie outflow. !