✨ Earthquake Report
( 132 )
Government House,
Wellington, October 21, 1848.
Sir,
In continuation of my Despatch of the 19th instant, I have the honour to inform your Excellency that between half past eleven, p.m., on the 19th, and one, a.m., on the 20th, frequent and rather strong shocks succeeded each other in rapid succession, during which time, the earth appeared to be in a continual state of agitation under foot. The shocks and the pulsation of the ground then ceased until about five, a.m., when slight shocks again occurred, and were repeated at intervals during the whole of Friday, but no further damage was done by them. And, although shocks have been experienced occasionally up to the present time, (11 a.m., Saturday, 21st October), I would hope that the worst is over, and that the convulsions of nature may gradually subside. We are not, however, yet aware of any eruption having taken place, or any vent being opened in any direction, though strong lurid lights, seen in the sky in the evenings in the North and South, seem to be reflections from the light of some volcano.
Yesterday (Friday, the 20th October) was, in accordance with the intimation given your Excellency in my last despatch, observed as a solemn Fast day, and I am happy to say that it was most reverently observed—persons of all classes and all denominations responding in right feeling and conduct befitting such an occasion, and shewing by the immense assemblages at the various religious observances of the day, that they acknowledged the hand of the Almighty and looked to him only for safety and protection.
In consequence of the long continuance of the earthquake, and the uncertainty as to what may be its eventual results, I have deemed it right, under the advice of my Executive Council, to order the detention for a few days of any vessels in harbour, which might attempt to leave it, the alarm and apprehension being so great, that if the few ships now here were to sail away, the people would consider themselves as altogether deserted, and without any means of security left them, should future shocks occur, and produce greater devastation than already exists. This order I find has already exercised a most beneficial influence in keeping up the spirits and confidence of the population.
I have also taken the precaution of shipping, on board H. M. Ship Fly, the greater part of the Specie in the Colonial Chest, until such time as the elements appear more settled. The Commissariat Department have, I believe, also done the same under the instructions of the Senior Military Officer.
I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your Excellency’s most obedient humble servant,
E. EYRE.
His Excellency
the Governor-in-Chief.
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New Ulster Gazette 1848, No 27
✨ LLM interpretation of page content
🏛️ Report on Earthquake in Wellington
🏛️ Governance & Central Administration21 October 1848
Earthquake, Wellington, Calamity, Destruction, Loss of Life, Fast Day, Ships Detention, Specie Shipment
- E. Eyre