WANGANUI IS BADLY SHAKEN.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18787, 17 June 1929, Page 10

WANGANUI IS BADLY SHAKEN.

COURT WAS CLEARED IN QUICK TIME.

(Special to the “Star.”) WANGANUI, June 17. The worst earthquake in several years occurred in Wanganui at 10.15 this morning, the shake being of greater intensity and of longer duration than that which took place several weeks ago. A mild panic seized the town as the buildings began to rock in an alarming manner and the inhabitants rushed from their houses and places of business, fearing that at any moment roofs might collapse. I he ’quake lasted for about five minutes but a rocking motion could be felt for some time afterwards. A few seconds after the ’quake commenced people quickly realised that it was unwise to remain indoors and there was a general scamper for exits. Floors rose and fell like a swell at sea and swayed threateningly. Many women fainted, others reached exits and stood there bewildered, unable to retreat further, and they had to be assisted. Telephone communication was put out of order. Never before in the history of \\ anganui has the Court been so quickly cleared. Constable Willets was in the box and was being examined by Senior-Sergeant M’Lean when there was a gentle rock.

The senior-sergeant paused, and Bench, counsel and reporters looked at each other, while the swaying increased in volume. The high build- 1 ing rocked vigorously and all eyes were then turned towards the plaster i ceiling. “Let justice be done, though the heavens fall,” remarked one counsel. “Justice be hanged,” replied his learned friend. “We had better get or the roof will fall in,” and they made hasty exit.

“We had better adjourn,” remarked Mr Salmon, as the old building continued to sway, Those in Court required no second invitation, and there was a general race for the doors. Once outside one experienced a feeling of seasickness.

The water in the river was churned into waves as if by a gale of wind and lashed against the concrete wall on the Somme Parade side of the river, a good view, of this being obtained by those who had vacated the Court. The staffs of the Native Land Court and Public Trust offices and hotels in the vicinity eclipsed all previous records in making for the streets. In Ridgway Street standing motorcars gav.e a very good indication that the direction was north to south, as they moved backwards and forwards with the oscillation.

Goods in shops tumbled helterskelter about the heads of assistants, who found themselves unable to move. It was just like a nightmare that had come true. Cracks appeared in the stone work of several buildings, and chimneys and windows in residences were damaged. After the worst of the shake had passed and people had returned indoors, the sickening swaying motion could still be felt, and it was difficult to stand upright. When things had returned to normal, many people experienced reaction, and faintness and dizziness prevented them from returning at once to work. One saw pallid faces everywhere, while many countenances had strained and drawn appearances.