THE CONVULSIONS AT CHEVIOT.

Wanganui Herald, Volume XXXV, Issue 10497, 19 November 1901, Page 2

THE CONVULSIONS AT CHEVIOT.

TWO HEAVY SHOCKS LAST

NIGHT.

People Again Taken to Tents

And in a State of Deep

Depression.

(Per United Press Association.) CHRISTCHURCH, Nov. 18. Another slight shock of earthquake was felt here just before 8 o'clock tonight.

The Hon. Mr Hall-Jones arrived from tEe South to-night, and will go on to Cheviot.

Rutherford's house and its contents at Mendip Hills were wrecked. The family is camping out in tents. Mrs and Misses Rutherford had a narrow escape.

Stanton River in the vicinity- of Mendip is jammed by slips, and has formed two large" lakes. In 'some places the wholo hillsides have slipped away, and the roads are blocked for wheel traffic.

There was very little real cause for alarm at Hanmer Springs, but at Ada Valley, 35 miles away, the tocks rolled dawn tho hillsides among the men's tents.

-Rain set in this afternoon, and still continues. It is very much needed.

The editor 'of the Lyttelton Times telegraphed to Mr W. T. Robinson, of Cheviot, asking if a collection of funds for the immediate relief of the sufferers by the earthquake would be accepted, and received the reply, "Pew cases urgently' require help, and st is thought we shall do what we can locally. The co-operation of our Christchurch friends will be very acceptable. Several families have lost their homes and practically all their belongings, and are absolutely destitute. The Government must, of course, assist in the public works, such as roads and bridges, but that will not rach the whole of the distress. It is difficult at. present to estimate the extent of the damage, but at least J>3ooo is required to restore means of traffic and communication. It is imperative that the Port Road be put in order without a moment's' unnecessary delay. There was a very large exodus of women and children to-day, but as far as we understand all are going to friends." ,

WELLINGTON, November.lß.

The postmaster at Cheviot telegraphed at 7.30 to-night- "Regret to report two of the severest shocks sine: Saturday morning. People in a state of deep depression, and have taken to tents."

WELLINGTON, November 18.

At a meeting of the Cabinet to-night tho question of damage done.at Cheviot was considered by Ministers.

It was decided to request the Hon. Hall-Jones, who is at present in Christchurch, to proceed to Cheviot and investigate affairs. When hiß report is made Ministers will take action.

It is probable that extensive relief measures will be at once instituted by toe Government. . '