Earthquakes

BEING IN CASTLEPOINT LIGHTHOUSE IN A 6.8 MAGNITUDE EARTHQUAKE - 1917

We have this truly scary account from the lighthouse keeper on duty at 3.21 am on 7 August 1917, in the lighthouse, when a 6.8 magnitude earthquake hit 20 km north of Castlepoint, at a depth of 12 km.

"I was sitting reading at about 3.25 a.m. The first indication of the approaching tremor was a noise like a severe explosion.

Then came the shaking in earnest. The lighthouse began to sway from two to three feet from south-west to north-east.

The [light] apparatus began to vibrate, and at the same time increasing in force.

Finally, it jumped clean out of its bed and listed towards the sea, splitting and cracking the lenses of the lantern, which I might add cost many hundred pounds.

The weight of the glass alone is fully two tons, while the apparatus weighs five or six tons. Imagine this swinging about 70ft above sea level.

While this was going on the mercury in which the lens revolves was spilling all over the lighthouse.

To add to my terror on leaving high rocks began to fall into the sea.

The signal pole has subsidėd from three to four inches, and the chimney of the signal hut was carried away and rolled down the cliff.

On examination this morning cracks were observed all round the signal station.

The light was extinguished at the time, and the apparatus has been got back almost to its normal position and will be able to run again tonight, though an expert will have to be obtained to finally adjust it."

Photo / An early photo of the Castlepoint Lighthouse, with the signal station behind it. https://www.maritimenz.govt.nz/.../light.../castle-point/...

Sources:

Wairarapa Age, 7 August 1917
Geonet