ALARMING EARTHQUAKE

Taranaki Daily News, 16 July 1929, Page 11

ALARMING EARTHQUAKE

PEOPLE RUSH INTO STREETS NO DAMAGE ON THE WEST COAST. EFFECT OF EARLIER UPHEAVAL. By Telegraph—Press Association. Westport, Last Night. One of the biggest shakes since that of June 17 occurred at 8.29 to-night, to be followed by another, less sustained, about six minutes later. The big ’quake sent people in alarm out into the streets, but at St. Canices Church, where a mission service was being held, though the edifice was rocking and the lamps swinging violently, all save about half a dozen of the congregation remained in their seats. The Rev. Father McCarthy, the missioner,. went on calmly with his sermon. Greymouth reports a severe ’quake, though as far as is known no damage was done.

Air. C. F. Schadiek, county engineer, who has been inspecting the earthquake damage in the Karamea district, returned to Westport on Friday evening, after walking along the sea coast from Karamea. He reports great land movements between Little Wanganui and the Alokihinui River. In some cases movements are over a mile long and extend back a mile inland. He made a careful inspection of the raised sea floor in this locality. The movement extends for about three-quarters of a mile in length and 15 chains in width, with an average height of 80 feet. Air. Schadiek states that this section of the sea coast is probably on the Kongahu fault line, and the great movement of the Marlborough cliffs, extending from a mile inland, has displaced the foreshore in a forward and upward movement along the fracture lino.

The management committee of the Buller Rugby Union has resolved to wire the New Zealand Rugby Union to protest against the alleged remark of the All Black manager, Air. J. McLeod, in Sydney that the earthquake was a minor affair, it being stated that in the damage to public and private property the earthquake has no parallel in New Zealand history. A Christchurch message says some people screamed in the theatres and a few made for the exits when the ’quake occurred. Some West Coast refugees at on n picture theatre were the first to rush from the building, and they did not return.

The ’quake was felt severely at Arthur’s Pass and Otira, where the people hastened to get out of the range of brick chimneys,. None fell, however. Th© observatory records two distinct shocks with the movement continuing for 34 minutes afterwards.

ART UNION SCHEME REJECTED. i DECISION IN CHRISTCHURCH. I “ ■■■■ —“* Christchurch, Last Night. The citizens’ earthquake relief committee to-night decided against a proposal to promote an art union to raise funds. A sharp shock of earthquake, the most severe since the big shake on June 17, was felt at Christchurch at 8.30 this evening. No damage lias yet been reported. It is improbable that the shock was severe enough to cause damage to buildings. CHARITY DAY IN WELLINGTON. DOWNPOUR NULLIFIES EFFORT. Wellington, July 15. Wellington had been fortunate in its week-ends this winter until Saturday. This was charity day, and the receipts from the sports were to go principally to the earthquake fund. The worst weather of winter chose this particular date to make its appearance, and all the games had to be played in a downpour of rain on fields so water-logged that even the ambulance men were at times sprawling full length in muddy pools. Instead of some hundreds of pounds going to the fund, probably not even the expenses will be covered.

GROWTH OF CENTRAL FUND. PREMIER NOW HOLDS £59,26-1. Wellington, Last Night. Amounts received by the Prime Minister for the central earthquake fund are:—

Previously acknowledged £53,6-19 7 7 Town Clerk, Eeilding .. £185 17 6 Town Clerk, Geraldine .. £100 0 0 Town Clerk, Morrinsville £75 12 0 Taranaki Herald (X.P.J . £178 14 10 Stall of H.M. Customs Oamaru £1 10 0 Town Clerk, Patea .... £70 8 6 Rangiora Borough Cl. .. £67 15 8 Town Clerk, Tauranga .. £100 2 6 Nightwatchmen, Governinent Buildings, Weilington £1 16 0 Messengers, Government Buildings, Wellington .. 19 6 Ashburton Guardian .... £500 0 0 The Press, Ch-ch £4000 0 0 Ensign, Mataura £276 7 0 Town Clerk, Kawakawa £56 1 0 Total to July 15 .... £59,264 12 1