EARTH TREMOR IN CITY

Southland Times, Issue 23741, 13 February 1939, Page 6

EARTH TREMOR IN CITY

SHARP SHOCK EARLY ON SATURDAY SHAKE ACCOMPANIED BY LOUD NOISE ■ Accompanied by a loud rumbling noise a sharp earthquake shock awakened many persons in Invercargill at 3.35 on Saturday morning. Although not as prolonged as the earthquake in December last, it had more of a jolting motion, and was considered by many to be more violent than the earlier ohe. A high wind was blowing at the time, and it was during a particularly strong gust that the shock came. No damage was reported, but electric lights were set in motion, and loose objects on tables and shelves moved. This is the third earthquake Invercargill has felt in the last few weeks, a slight shock having occurred on the night of January 15, when the record low barometric pressure was experienced. Reports from Gore state that two distinct shocks were felt throughout Eastern and Northern Southland about 3.35 a.m. The shocks were not as severe as those in the middle of December but they were sufficient to awaken many persons in the town and district. There was only a few seconds between the shocks. The first which lasted for about five seconds, was of a rocking nature and was not as severe as the second shock which shook buildings and caused windows to rattle. No damage has been reported. The earthquake was felt at Mataura, where it awakened many persons. Several stated that they felt a slight preliminary shake, the bigger one following some minutes later. The earthquake was felt at Bluff about 3.35 a.m. and many residents were awakened by the shock. The tremor was fairly pronounced though not as severe as that of last December. Windows rattled and lights swayed but no damage was reported. The night was sultry and heavy showers fell at intervals. SHOCKS FELT IN DUNEDIN Preceded by a roaring gust of wind that was distinct from the persistent south-west gale that swept the city during the night, and particularly whipped the higher levels, a sharp and severe earth tremor jolted Dunedin at 3.32 on Saturday morning (reports the Evening Star). It was of sufficient intensity to perturb thousands of sleepers, and they felt two more tremors within a few minutes that were less ’alarming.

The major tremor gradually eased off, but at its height it gently rocked buildings. In some houses doors swung and electric lights were set in motion. This effect on many fittings was particularly pronounced in dwellings of more than one story, the height accentuating the swing. Many thought that the rocking motion was due to the gale’s force, but above the roar of the wind there was a loud rumble. In some localities the shock was heavier than the tremor that shook the city on December 17.

SHOCK RECORDED IN WELLINGTON CENTRE SOUTH-WEST OF MILFORD SOUND (United Press Association) WELLINGTON, February 12. The Dominion Observatory reported today that slight earthquakes in the South Island were recorded on the seismograph late last night and early this morning. The first was a very small shock recorded in Westport and neighbouring districts, but it was not widely felt. The second at 3.35 a.m. was heavier, the centre being south-west of Milford Sound slightly out to sea. It is stated to be an after-shock of the heavy earthquake in the South Island on December 17 and was felt in Ranfurly, Naseby, Balclutha, Timaru and Jackson’s Bay. Neither earthquake was felt in Wellington.