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Star (Christchurch), Issue 18787, 17 June 1929, Page 1

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FOURTH EDITION. THE EARTHQUAKE. CATHEDRAL “STRONGER THAN EVER.” “The Cathedral tower is stronger now than ever,” stated Mr J. W. Graham, of P. Graham and Soil, contractors, to-day. “There need be no apprehension about its security. It is the last place in Christchurch Where one need look for damage from earthquakes.” AEROPLANE DAMAGED. HASTINGS, June 17. During the earthquake this morning, the Hawke’s Bay Aero Club’s Moth experienced gusty winds over Pakipaki. A landing was made at the aerodrome and while on the ground the machine was blown over and the propellqr broken. Instruction has been held up till repairs are effected. WEST COAST SUPPERS. WELLINGTON, June 17. The acting Secretary-General of the Post Office at Wellington has received a report in connection with the earthquake at Westport, stating that the Postal Department is endeavouring to secure temporary premises there. This message was received by wireless. All normal communication to that district is interrupted. There are atso numerous Interruptions* to telegraph and telephone lines in the South Island and at present it is not possible to obtain reports from some districts. WEST COAST REPORTS. WELLINGTON, June 3 7. The Acting-Secretary-General ol’ the Post Office has received the following among communications in connection with the earthquake. Westport (by wireless) —The telegraph lines are apparently down in all directions and it is impossible to obtain reports of damage to neighbouring towns. No loss of life is reported, but one child’s leg had to bu amputated as a result of injury In a school. The 'quakes continued ut very frequent intervals. Greymouth (by wireless).—An extraordinarily heavy earthquake Was experienced in West Coast districts, Reefton at 10.17 a.m., Greymouth at 10.19 ami., and Hokitika 10.20 a.m. The damage to departmental buildings and property will be heavy, but, owing to damage to the lines is not .yet ascertainable. The damage to private property is also extensive, but no loss of life is EXPLOSIONS HEARD. HAWERA, June 17. The most severe earthquake fent here in the memory of the present generation, occurred at 10.20 this morning, lasting about three minutes. Many chimneys in private houses were wrecked and plate glass windows in shop fronts were cracked. Many persons fainted in the streets. Occasional tremors were felt at intervals till 12.15. A peculiar feature is that when the first as of heavy explosions centred at sea, apparently a considerable distance from the coast. SOUTHERN CROSS TO LEAVE THURSDAY. SYDNEY, June 17. Squadron-Leader Kingsford-Smith made further tests of the Southern Cross this morning and later FlightLieutenant Ulm announced: “Provided we are quite ready, we will leave on Thursday.” CHEESE FACTORY BURNED. HAMILTON, Jun.e 37. .The Manawatu cheese factory near Te Aroha has been burned to the ground. It was the largest cheese factory owned by the New Zealand Co-operative Dairy Company. The lire started in the vicinity of the boiler room and spread with great rapidity. The building, which was of wood, was quickly demolished. The books were saved. Two hundred crates of cheese were burned. The insurances were with t,he Eagle, Star and British Dominion office.