by Kevin McCue
Introduction
The first earthquake deaths reported in Australia followed the second large earthquake in 5 years in South Australia, on 19 September 1902, the epicentre in Gulf St Vincent as best we can determine. An even earlier deaths has been uncovered here. The 1902 earthquake was the tipping point for the government to finally agree, at Milne’s prompting, to provide a seismograph in the state, after much lobbying too by the Australasian Association for the Advancement of Science over a decade or more. Not that the Milne seismograph acquired in 1908 was much use for monitoring local earthquakes – it was designed for recording large distant earthquakes.
The first report of an earthquake in the new British colony of South Australia, just 6 months after Adelaide was founded, was mentioned in a book on the early history of South Australia (Blackett, 1907), the date 28 July 1837:
There was a loud rumbling noise the lasted 20 seconds. The earth shook and trembled. It was an earthquake.
Local Aborigines queried at the time agreed that such things had happened before but when they happened and how big they were is not known in a European time-reference field.
Earthquakes have continued ever since and many of them reported on in local newspapers, some large – most small, some damaging – most not. We have excluded the Northern Territory which was annexed by South Australia in 1863 until 1 January 1911 when it was transferred to the Commonwealth Government. The State’s largest earthquakes occurred at the southern and northern ends of the state, in 1897 and 1941, both about magnitude 6.5. These two were an order of magnitude larger than the most destructive earthquake in SA under Adelaide’s southern suburbs in 1954. This study is a supplement to the major work of Dix (2013) enabled by TROVE.
This earthquake near Adelaide on 1 March 1954 put South Australia firmly on the map as far as Australian seismicity is concerned. The magnitude of this shallow earthquake was 6, larger than the 1989 Newcastle NSW earthquake. No lives were lost by sheer good luck. The damage bill in today’s dollar terms exceeded $100M. The earthquake confirmed the 1897 observation that unreinforced masonry buildings were vulnerable to earthquakes and that expansive clay foundations exacerbated damage and dollar loss by weakening buildings founded on them.
Figure 1 Histogram of numbers of earthquakes reported in SA newspapers per decade from 1836 to 1960 when modern short period recording began (after Dix 2013). There were 175 in 1890-1899.
Nowadays we classify these earthquakes as intraplate, they are inexplicable and unpredictable. They aren’t restricted to mapped faults nor do they appear to be controlled in any way by the geology.
The hope exists that if society learns more about past earthquakes then they might be willing for engineers to implement measures to prevent the destruction and lifeloss that will surely happen if we ignore them.
The decade 1890-1899
This was the most active decade in South Australia to 1960 (Figure 1) mainly because the largest known earthquake in populated parts of South Australia since European colonisation struck the southeast of the State on 10 May 1897 and this triggered a very active aftershock sequence lasting years. In all 170 earthquakes, including aftershocks, were located in this decade, more than in any other decade in the historical pre-instrumental period which ended in 1963. That’s when Sutton and White (1966) installed two short period seismographs at Cleve and Hallett to complement the WWSSN station at Mt Lofty that was installed in 1958.
The Milne seismograph was installed in at the Adelaide Observatory in1909 after vigorous lobbying of the South Australian Government by astronomer and meteorologist Sir Charles Todd following the 1897 Kingston earthquake. It is a pity they chose the British Milne rather than the German Weichert seismograph installed the same year by Riverview Observatory at Lane Cove in Sydney which was a far superior seismograph.
It was fortunate no one was killed in May 1897, there was considerable damage to unreinforced masonry, houses, commercial buildings and churches. So much so, that in the epicentral region people camped outside, too frightened to return to their damaged homes with aftershocks happening throughout the day and night. Significant liquefaction was seen and photographed, the first time this phenomenon was described in Australia though not understood at the time.
Figure 2 Number of earthquakes per year in the decade 1890-1899, including foreshocks and aftershocks, the average 16.7.
Up till 1895 the seismicity of the state was subdued with no damaging earthquake. The exception is the Yalpara earthquake in July 1890 that was blamed for cracking in the new Beetaloo dam, the largest concrete dam in the southern hemisphere at the time of its construction. On current thinking, the earthquake was too small and too distant to have been responsible.
Adelaide
Earthquakes in the South-east of the State certainly dominated the seismicity of the decade but there were also significant earthquake sequences in the mid-north of the state, at Kapunda and Burra for example in the years before the Kingston outbreak. These two sequences are quite different, the Burra sequence a classic mainshock/aftershock series, the Kapunda sequence more like a swarm with the largest event, M5, near the middle in time of the smaller felt events. It is not obvious how these earthquakes are related other than stochastically i.e. they are not. But there may be a causal connection between the northern and southern sequences.
Several residents recalled the 1883 earthquake that shook Adelaide when discussing the impact of the 1897 Kingston earthquake. They suggested that shaking during the 1897 earthquake was far worse which is clearly the case as it caused minor non-structural damage throughout Adelaide although the isoseismal maps both indicate an intensity of MM4.
Other earthquakes felt in Adelaide in the decade, include a small earthquake in the Barossa Valley on the 18 September 1891 and another on 11 April 1898 offshore Kingston.
Seismicity plots
The plot of epicentres (Figure 3a) shows that earthquakes occurred where modern earthquakes have been observed, through the Mt Lofty/Flinders Ranges (most of the earthquakes), off the South-east coast and on Eyre and Yorke’s Peninsulas (fewer earthquakes).
Figures 3a, b, c, d.
Seismicity of South Australia 1890-1899 from felt reports in SA newspaper recovered using the National Library of Australia’s on-line search facility Trove. Details of the seismicity, 3b in the South-east offshore between Kingston and Beachport, 3c around Adelaide extending through the Mt Lofty and Flinders Ranges and 3d in the far North. (mapping by David Love)
This is the only decade where the seismicity of the South-east dominated that of any other region in South Australia, to the present time. Most of those earthquakes appear to have been offshore (Figure 3b). Aftershocks map a zone about 100km long from Beachport northwest to offshore Kingston, the apparent fault supporting
the large magnitude estimate based on felt area for the 10 May 1897 mainshock.
Few earthquakes were reported from the Eyre or Yorke Peninsulas, perhaps a reflection of the low population density. There was no indication of what was to come in 1902 for the people living on the southern Yorke Peninsula and Fleurieu Peninsula.
Earthquakes in the mid-north and north of the state were reported on assiduously by Post Office staff to the Government Astronomer despite the low populations. The epicentres derived from their felt reports are conspicuously within the uplifted so-called Adelaide Geosyncline belt, as they continue to be to the present day.
No attempt has been made to infer an association between earthquakes and faults in this decade, certainly no faulting was observed during the large 1897 earthquake, supporting an offshore source. The earthquakes are all within the crust we assume, but without focal depths and with large uncertainties in the epicentral locations such an association would be fraught.
On Time
A certain amount of care and judgment has to be made in corroborating the reported time of an observation with a particular earthquake, the reported times can vary an hour or even more, or may be expressed as ‘sometime between 11 and 12 pm’. Dates can be out by a week or two (last weeks earthquake ……). Occasionally an earthquake may be reported at similar times at localities hundreds of kilometres apart, with no reports from towns in-between, or reported by a single person from a suburb in Adelaide but nowhere else. Occasionally mining blasts or mine collapses, warship firing exercises or even meteorites are confused with earthquakes. The author has selectively deleted these when these sources are clear.
On Magnitude
Magnitude is computed as per Richter’s (1958) suggestion that magnitude scales with felt area using McCue’s (1980) equation derived from Australian earthquakes in the range 3 ≤ ML/Ms ≤ 6.8.
M= 1.01ln(Rp) +0.13
where M is the Richter magnitude derived from the radius of perceptibility Rp (the radius of a circle equivalent to the area in km2 enclosed by the MM3 contour).
Magnitude is a problem for today’s seismologists and modellers, there are so many competing scales based on different assumptions, high geological complexity and vastly different seismometer/recorder characteristics. As Richter (1958) acknowledged, any magnitude estimate was only good to about 0.5, quite at odds with modern values often given courageously to two decimal points.
Recurrence Relation
The recurrence relation for earthquake magnitudes in this decade-long study period 1890-1899 reported on here is shown in the graph (blue line). The line of best fit is: LogNc/yr = 2.55 – 0.59M
where Nc/yr is the cumulative number of earthquakes per year above magnitude M in the range 3≤M≤6.5. The line of best fit is compromised by the single magnitude 6.5 earthquake and any comparisons are meaningless. If the single large earthquake was removed then the blue and green lines are reasonably similar.
Aftershocks of the Kingston, Kapunda and Burra earthquakes, most of them aftershocks of the 1897 Kingston earthquake, were excluded from this estimate.
Figure 4 Recurrence relation for earthquakes catalogued here, for the historic period 1890-1899 (blue) and the longer term of the modern instrumental period 1965 – 2016 (green).
In the last 150 years, there have been five events of at least magnitude 6 in or very near South Australia including the most destructive one, the 1954 Adelaide earthquake.
Thanks to the enhanced seismicity of the South-east, this decade is rated highly active.
What follows below in chronological order is a list of some of the newspaper stories of earthquakes felt and reported on over the decade 1900-1909, at least one story for each earthquake. From these reports, solicited using the Australian National Libraries’ Trove, a catalogue has been compiled itemising the date, occurrence time, location and computed magnitude of these earthquakes, the same information available in modern earthquake catalogues. The uncertainties of most of the event parameters is obviously larger in the historical catalogue, except perhaps the magnitude. Even the date can be contentious when an earthquake is reported on weeks after it happened, but which week.
Some of the earthquakes listed by Dix (2013) have not been found due to unfinished scanning by the ANL but an effort will be made to fill in those missing earthquakes. Hopefully no important earthquakes have been missed.
During the decade a meeting of the Australasian Association for the Advancement of Science was held in Adelaide in September, 1893. Papers on earthquake intensity in Australasia, the origin of the earthquake of January 27 1892 in Tasmania, by Mr. G. Hogben, M.A., of Timara, N.Z., were read in his absence by the secretary. The report of the seismological committee, of which Mr. Hogben was secretary, was also read.
At the beginning of the catalogue I have included SA newspaper extracts about damage to a new large concrete dam for which an earthquake was blamed; this should be more widely shared and debated.
Acknowledgment
The author is indebted to all those seismologists and technologists who paved the way for this historical study of South Australian earthquakes, especially to Catherine Dix whose open thesis has been a fixture on my desk. It would not have been possible without TROVE, the Australian National Library portal for accessing their digitised newspapers, diaries and maps. David Love provided the epicentral maps and continuing support and much more with the establishment of the Seismological Association of Australia and SA seismograph network and his willingness to help.
References
Dix, Katherine. 2013. South Australian Historical Earthquakes in the Pre-Instrumental Period 1873-1963: A Comprehensive Chronicle and Analysis of Available Intensity Date. A thesis submitted for the degree of Master of Philosophy, The University of Adelaide, September 2013.
McCue, K.F. 1975 Seismicity and Seismic Risk in South Australia. University of Adelaide, Report ADP 137.
McCue, K.F. 1980. Magnitudes of some early earthquakes in South-eastern Australia. Search 11(3), 78-80.
McCue, K.F., 1996 (compiler). Atlas of Isoseismal Maps of Australian Earthquakes Part 3. AGSO Record 1996/19.
McCue K.F., & McArdle, A., 1992 — More on earthquake fatalities in Australia. BMR Journal of Australian Geology & Geophysics, 13, 2, 187-188.
Richter, C. F. 1958. Elementary Seismology. Freeman.
Sutton, D.J., and White, R.E., 1966. The Seismicity of South Australia, J. Geol. Soc. Aust., 15, 25-32.
Photo Beetaloo Dam.State Library of South Australia taken about 1925
In the 1870s, typhoid outbreaks were common in Moonta, Kadina and Wallaroo. Water tanks became contaminated easily and didn’t hold enough water to supply the towns during a severe drought, so a reservoir at Beetaloo was commissioned.
The dam was built in 1886 – 1890 to supply water to the upper Yorke Peninsula and then to Port Pirie. The concrete wall was nearly 600 feet wide, 100 feet high with a curvature on a radius of 1,414 feet. Work was completed in October 1890. The reservoir capacity is 3.2 gigalitres.
Beetaloo Dam impounds South Australia’s smallest reservoir but in 1890 it was the largest concrete dam in the southern hemisphere. The dam design and materials used were so different from other dams constructed at the time that available machinery was not suitable and the SA Waterworks Department designed and constructed their own machinery fit for purpose to build Beetaloo.
Cracking of the dam wall was attributed at the time to the Yalbara earthquake on 24 July 1890 CST but, as the isoseismal map in Figure 5 shows, it was too small and distant to have shaken the dam (marked BD on the map) enough to damage it.
Adelaide Observer (SA : 1843 – 1904), Saturday 19 July 1890, p 29
A Flaw in the Beetaloo Dam.—The Commissioner of Public Works (Hon. T. Burgoyne) was questioned in the Assembly on Wednesday concerning a flaw in the Beetaloo Dam. He said he believed that a fracture which had been caused at Beetaloo was not very serious. The fracture was supposed to be the result of an earthquake, which was felt in that part of the country some nine or ten days ago. The flaw was nothing more than a hair line, proceeding, however, from the top to the bottom of the dam and from the inside to the outside. At present the water leaked out at the rate of about a bucketful within twenty four hours; but if it were found that the water came through in larger quantity then it would be necessary to put down a coffer dam in the dam itself. Whatever was necessary would be done. The engineer on the works did not consider that the fracture interfered with the stability of the dam.
Express and Telegraph (Adelaide, SA : 1867 – 1922), Monday 28 July 1890, page 2
The Crack in the Beetaloo Dam.
No Risk to life or Property.
The following report, dated July 28 has been received by the Commissioner of Public Works (Hon. T. Burgoyne) from the Engineer-In-Chief (Mr. A. B. Moncrieff) with regard to the crack in the Beetaloo Dam :—”I have the honor to report that a crack has been discovered in the concrete of the Beetaloo Dam. It is not, however, through the main portion of the heavy wall, but through the western wing, where it runs into the hillside. This was first reported to the resident engineer on July 3. A small quantity of water is forcing its way through, but the crack has not increased since that date. The damage is so near the western side of the dam that it would be behind the massive concrete by-wash and will not be visible on the down stream side when that portion of the work is finished. This flaw in the work is most vexations, because it takes the high finish off an otherwise splendid job; but as far as the stability of the wall is concerned it is not interfered with in the slightest degree, and as regards life and property there is not the least risk whatever. The cause of this accident I have very carefully examined into from every point of view, and the only suggestion which will answer the details of the case is that there has been a slight earth tremor or that one of the shocks of earthquake which have been so frequent in the neighborhood of late has passed down this particular valley. The concrete is of the very highest quality, it has been put in with the most extreme care ; there has been a personal pride taken on the part of every officer on the job as regards its success and high finish, and the suggestion which I make is the only one which will meet the peculiarities of the case,
(Signed) A. B. MONCRIEFF,
Engineer in Chief.”
Adelaide Observer (SA : 1843 – 1904), Saturday 13 December 1890, page 26
HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY.
Thursday, December 11.
The Speaker took the Chair at 11 a.m.
Author: In discussion of the preference for a Barossa or Happy Valley dam for supplying Adelaide with water: …….. Concrete dams were not always the safest, especially where the country was subject to earthshocks. We had an instance of an earthshock at Beetaloo, where a flaw in the dam resulted, but not of a very serious character. Considerable evidence was taken in comparison of earthwork dams and concrete dams. The Engineer-in-Chief was asked, Question No. 118—”But don’t you think that if a fracture were made that would rapidly increase in size with the weight of the water behind, and so cause a large breach in the work?” And replied “I think that the fact of the dam being made of rocks would prevent that. If an earthquake took place at Beetaloo and cracked that dam, no power could repair it if it were full of water; but in a rip-rap dam the puddle would settle down in the cracks.
Catalogue of earthquakes in South Australia 1890 – 1899
1890 earthquakes
The magnitude 4.3 Yalpara earthquake of 24 July saved this year from being the least active year of the decade but there were eleven small earthquakes located and tabulated for this report using scanned newspaper articles, many of which were only recently released. They were all in the main seismic zone stretching north from Eden Valley to Blinman via Adelaide and a small earthquake near Kingston.
1890 01 05 at 14:30 UTC, Burra
Burra Record (SA : 1878 – 1954), Tuesday 7 January 1890, page 2
Earth Shock. — A rather smart shock of earthquake occurred about midnight on Sunday. The rumbling seemed to have been travelling from north to south, and lasted several seconds.
1890 01 20 at 16:00 UTC, West Milang
South Australian Register (Adelaide, SA : 1839 – 1900), Wednesday 22 January 1890, page 5
Milang, January 21. A slight shock of earthquake was felt at West Milang at halfpast 1 this morning.
1890 02 23 at 12:40 UTC, Hawker
South Australian Chronicle (Adelaide, SA : 1889 – 1895), Saturday 1 March 1890, page 10
SHOCK OF EARTHQUAKE AT HAWKER.
Hawker, February 24.
A severe shock of earthquake was felt here about 10 minutes past 10 o’clock last night. It appeared to be travelling from north west to south-east, and lasted about 10 seconds. The vibration shook bottles off mantlepieces.
1890 02 24 at 15:00 UTC, Tungkillo and Palmer
South Australian Register (Adelaide, SA : 1839 – 1900), Friday 28 February 1890, page 4
An Earthquake. — A correspondent at Tungkillo writes :— ” A severe shock of earthquake was felt here on Tuesday morning between 12 and 1 o’clock. The noise appeared like a heavy crash of distant thunder, and gradually died away. It lasted nearly a minute. The houses shook and the carded ceilings creaked with the vibration. It was felt very severely at Palmer, six miles away.”
1890 03 02 at 13:30 UTC, Spalding
Northern Argus (Clare, SA : 1869 – 1954), Friday 7 March 1890, p 2.
SPALDING, March 3. We experienced a very prolonged and loud shock of earthquake last Sunday night about 11 o’clock, which appeared to be travelling from south to north as near as we could judge.
1890 04 10 at 20:50 UTC, Adelaide Hills
Advertiser (Adelaide, SA : 1889 – 1931), Saturday 12 April 1890, p4.
A shock of earthquake was felt at Carey’s Gully about 6.20 a.m. on Friday. The ground tremor was, however, not great, having just sufficient force to cause windows to rattle and the walls of houses to vibrate slightly. The disturbance, Mr. T. Shearer informs us, was apparently travelling from north-east to north-west, and was felt by several residents in the Uraidla district.
Express and Telegraph (Adelaide, SA : 1867 – 1922), Monday 14 April 1890, page 2
The Earth Tremor.
The earthquake shock referred to in our Saturday’s issue as having been felt at Carey’s Gully on the previous day is reported also from Crafers, Mr. M. Franklin, of the latter place, writes: — On Mr. John Bagot’s estate, at Stirling, the ground shook several times, and a large tank half full of water moved bodily. At the Hon. H. Scott’s residence, on Mount Lofty,
looking-glasses and doors were kept swinging.
Adelaide Observer (SA : 1843 – 1904), Saturday 19 April 1890, p 29.
Earthshock in the Hills. — Mr. A. Gore wrote to us on Friday week:—” A slight shock of earthquake was felt this morning about half-past 6. It sounded like a heavy load coming suddenly on the railway bridge, and shook my dwelling, which is close by and built of wood, covered with iron. Several other residents had also noticed it.” A correspondent from Uraidla wrote” A shock of earthquake was felt in this district this morning at 6.20. Several people said they felt their houses shake slightly. The doors, windows, and crockery in a few houses rattled and frightened the occupants. It appeared to travel about north-east to south-west, and was accompanied with a rumbling noise like thunder.”
Christian Colonist (SA : 1878 – 1894), Friday 25 April 1890, page 3
A slight shock of earthquake was felt at Mt. Barker lately, shaking the doors and windows.
Figure 5 Felt reports of a small earthquake in the Adelaide Hills on 11 April 1890 at 6:20 am CST, the Mt Barker report is tenuous but we assume is related to that felt felt in Stirling and Uraidla.
1890 06 13 at 09:48 UTC, Eden Valley
Advertiser (Adelaide, SA : 1889 – 1931), Saturday 14 June 1890, page 5
[By Telegraph.] Eden Valley, June 13.
The weather has been cold, with storms of rain neatly all day. A slight shook of earthquake was distinctly felt here at 18 minutes past 7 this evening.
1890 06 15 at 09:30 UTC Kingston
Narracoorte Herald (SA : 1875 – 1954), Friday 20 June 1890, page 2
Earthquake Shock at Kingston.— Under date of June 16, our Kingston correspondent writes:— A supposed shock of earthqiake happened last night at about 7 p.m.
1890 07 03 at 18:00 UTC, Blinman
South Australian Register (Adelaide, SA : 1839 – 1900), Saturday 5 July 1890, page 4
Earthquake at Blinman. — Mr. H. Sutcliffe, of Blinman, telegraphed to the Postmaster-General on July 4: — “Severe shock of earthquake here this morning about 3.30. Seemed to be travelling from north to south. Shook the whole building.
1890 07 23 at 21:45 UTC, Mid North Yulpara
This earthquake was blamed for cracking in the recently completed Beetaloo Dam (BD on map) but that is quite unlikely being too small and about 100km from the presumed epicentre near Yalpara, or Bendleby where an aftershock was felt, the magnitude was about 4.5.
Laura Standard (SA : 1889 – 1917), Friday 1 August 1890, page 2
Local and General News.
Earthquake. — Our Booleroo Centre correspondent under date July 24th, says: ” A severe shock of earthquake was felt here this morning at about 7.15, and lasted for some few seconds.”
Petersburg Times (SA : 1887 – 1919), Friday 8 August 1890, page 4
Belton.—Our correspondent writes under date of July 28:— An earthquake shock was felt here on Thursday, 24th, about 7 o’clock a.m., which lasted for three seconds, shaking everything in its way, travelling in a northerly direction.
South Australian Chronicle (Adelaide, SA : 1889 – 1895), Saturday 26 July 1890, page 21
SHOCK OF EARTHQUAKE.
Orroroo, July 24.
A severe shock of earthquake was experienced here at 7 o’clock this morning. A loud rumbling noise lasted for about 50 seconds. Doors and windows rattled and furniture was displaced.
Carrieton, July 24. A very powerful earth shock occurred here at 7 o’clock this morning. It was of long duration, shaking crockery and windows, and was accompanied by a loud thundery noise.
Petersburg, July 24. A clearly-defined earthquake shock was experienced here about 7.30 this morning. Buildings shook, crockery rattled, and the vibration was felt for several seconds.
Terowie, July 24. A few seconds before 7 o’clock this morning an earthquake shock occurred and lasted some seconds. Opinions differ as to the direction it was travelling, but it is supposed to be from south in a northerly course. Many articles in houses shook and doors rattled as though being knocked. The shock was most distinct. The weather was wet in the earlier part of the morning.
Yarcowie, July 24.
A shock of earthquake was felt here this morning about 7 o’clock. It seemed to travel northward. The Superintendent of Telegraphs (Mr. C. Todd, C.M.G.) has forwarded us the following memo, received from the stationmaster at Orroroo (Mr. F. S. Smith), dated July 24 :— ” A severe shock of earthquake was felt here this morning at 7 o’clock, lasting nearly a minute. Appeared to be travelling from west to east.”
Evening Journal (Adelaide, SA : 1869 – 1912), Thursday 24 July 1890, page 2
Severe Shock of Earthquake.
[By Telegraph.] Petersburgh, July 24.
A severe shock of earthquake, lasting for a Considerable time was experienced here about half-past 7 this morning, shaking the stone buildings and rattling the crockery, though as far as known, occasioning no damage.
Booleroo, July 24. A heavy shock of earthquake was felt here this morning, at a few minutes past 7. Light showers of rain fell during the night.
Yongala, July 24. A severe shock of earthquake was noticed at 7 o’clock this morning, lasting two or three minutes. It appeared to travel east and west.
Orroroo, July 24. A severe shock of earthquake was felt here at 7 this morning, lasting nearly a minute. It appeared to be travelling from west to east. Terowie, July 24. A most distinct earthquake shock was felt this morning at 7 o’clock. The weather previously was very wet, and early this morning the high wind abated. It was calm before the shock, which travelled from south to east. At the Royal Hotel the vibration was very severe. In many private houses the doors and windows shook for several seconds.
South Australian Register (Adelaide, SA : 1839 – 1900), Friday 25 July 1890, page 5
EARTHQUAKE IN THE NORTH.
Eurelia, July 24.
An alarming earthquake shock was felt here at 7 a.m., apparently travelling north-westerly. Doors, windows, and crockery rattled noisily. The loud rumbling caused many of the inhabitants to rise affrighted from their beds.
Yunta, July 24. A shock of earthquake waa felt here this morning at about ten minutes past 7. No damage was done, but the houses were shaken. It was also felt at Teetulpa Station, five miles from here. The weather was calm but cold at the time.
Jamestown, July 24. An earthquake passed over the town at about 7 o’clock this morning, travelling in a north-easterly direction. The shock was plainly felt by people lying in bed. Petersburg, July 24. A severe shock of earthquake, lasting for a considerable time, was experienced here about half-past 7 this morning, shaking the stone buildings and rattling the crockery, though as far as known, occasioning no damage.
Booleroo, July 24. A heavy shock of earthquake was felt here this morning, at a few minutes past 7. Light showers of rain fell during the night.
Yongala, July 24. A severe shock of earthquake was noticed an 7 o’clock this morning, lasting two or three minutes. It appeared to travel east and west.
Orroroo, July 24. A severe shock of earthquake was felt here at 7, this morning, lasting nearly a minute. It appeared to be travelling from west to east.
Terowie, July 24. A most distinct earthquake shock was felt this morning at 7 o’clock. The weather previously was very wet, and early this morning the high wind abated. It was calm before the shock, which travelled from south to east. At the Royal Hotel the vibration was very severe. In many private houses the doors and windows shook for several seconds.
Adelaide Observer (SA : 1843 – 1904), Saturday 26 July 1890, page 32
EARTHQUAKE IN THE NORTH.
Eurelia, July 24.
An alarming earthquake shock was felt here at 7 a.m., apparently travelling north westerly. Doors, windows, and crockery rattled noisily. The loud rumbling caused many of the inhabitants to rise affrighted from their beds.
Yunta, July 24.
A shock of earthquake was felt here this morning at about ten minutes past 7. No damage was done, but the houses were shaken. It was also felt at Teetulpa Station, five miles from here. The weather was calm but cold at the time.
Jamestown, July 24.
An earthquake passed over the town at about 7 o’clock this morning, travelling in a north-easterly direction. The shook was plainly felt by people lying in bed.
Figure 6 Isoseismal map of the Yalpara earthquake at 7am on 24 July 1890 CST. Beetaloo Dam is west of Laura and marked as BD. Yalpara is at the centre of the MM5 isoseismal contour 85km away.
Petersburg, July 21
A severe shook of earthquake, lasting for a considerable time, was experienced here about half-past 7 this morning, shaking the stone buildings and rattling the crockery, though as
far as known, occasioning no damage.
Booleroo, July 24.
A heavy shock of earthquake was felt here this morning, at a few minutes past 7. Light showers of rain fell during the night.
Yongala, July 24.
A severe shock of earthquake was noticed at 7 o’clock this morning, lasting two or three minutes. It appeared to travel east and west.
Orroroo, July 24.
A severe shock of earthquake was felt here at 7 this morning, lasting nearly a minute. It appeared to be travelling from west to east.
Terowie, July 21
A most distinct earthquake shock was felt this morning at 7 o’clock. The weather previously was very wet, and early this morning the high wind abated. It was calm before the shock, which travelled from south to east. At the Royal Hotel the vibration was very severe. In many private houses the doors and windows shook for several seconds.
South Australian Chronicle (Adelaide, SA : 1889 – 1895), Saturday 2 August 1890, page 13
Country News, BENDLEBY, July 24.
A very severe shock of earthquake was felt here at 7 o’clock this morning, and another slight one about three hours after the first.
1890 09 24 at 15:00 UTC, Moonta
People’s Weekly (Moonta, SA: 1890 – 1928), Saturday 27 September 1890, page 3
Several townspeople of Moonta were alarmed on Thursday morning, between the hours of twelve and one o’clock. A severe shock of earthquake past through the township, shaking the houses, doors, and windows considerably.
| 1890 01 05 | 14:30 | -33.7 | 139.0 | 2.8 | Burra | This paper |
| 1890 01 20 | 16:00 | -35.4 | 138.9 | 2.5 | West Milang | This paper |
| 1890 02 23 | 12:40 | -31.9 | 138.4 | 3.5 | Hawker | Dix/This paper |
| 1890 02 24 | 15:00 | -34.8 | 139.1 | 3.2 | Tungkillo | Dix/This paper |
| 1890 03 02 | 13:30 | -33.5 | 138.6 | 3.0 | Spalding | This paper |
| 1890 04 10 | 20:50 | -34.98 | 138.73 | 2.3 | Adelaide Hills | Dix/This paper |
| 1890 06 13 | 09:48 | -34.6 | 139.1 | 2.5 | Eden Valley | Dix/This paper |
| 1890 06 15 | 09:30 | -36.8 | 139.7 | 3.0 | Kingston | This paper |
| 1890 07 03 | 18:00 | -31.1 | 138.7 | 3.5 | Blinman | Dix/This paper |
| 1890 07 23 | 21:45 | -32.6 | 138.9 | 4.5 | Yalpara | Dix/This paper |
| 1890 09 24 | 15:00 | -34.1 | 137.6 | 3.0 | Moonta | This paper |
1891 Earthquakes
This was a slightly more active year that average, earthquake-wise, twelve earthquakes located, the largest near Hawker in August at magnitude about 4.3. It is tempting to assume the Spalding and Armagh (Clare) earthquakes in January are related, so close together, yet the apparent dates are irreconcilable.
1891 01 04 at ?time, Armagh – could be December last year
Northern Argus (Clare, SA : 1869 – 1954), Friday 9 January 1891, page 2
SPALDING, Monday, January 5. We experienced two shocks of earthquake during last week.
ARMAGH, Monday January 12.
An earthquake shock was felt here by several people last Sunday week. It appeared to travel east and west. Eggs, which were on a shelf, were shaken off and broken.
1891 02 28 at 18:30 UTC, Eucla WA
Express and Telegraph (Adelaide, SA : 1867 – 1922), Monday 2 March 1891, page 2
Shock of Earthquake.
The Deputy Postmaster General has forwarded us the following memo, received from the telegraph stationmaster at Eucla: –”Strong shock of earthquake lasting a few seconds passed here in easterly direction at 4 o’clock Sunday morning.”
Advertiser (Adelaide, SA : 1889 – 1931), Tuesday 3 March 1891, page 7
SHOCK OF EARTHQUAKE.
The Deputy Postmaster- General has forwarded us the following memo., received from the telegraph stationmaster at Eucla:— ” Strong shock of eartquake lasting a few seconds passed here in easterly direction at 4 o’clock Sunday morning.”
1891 05 03 at 02:00 UTC, Kimberley N. E.
South Australian Register (Adelaide, SA : 1839 – 1900), Thursday 7 May 1891, page 3
KIMBERLEY. N.E. May 4.
The country around this district is beginning to look well since the late rains, four-and-three-quarter inches being the register for the last month. Most of the dams are full. The rabbits have all disappeared, but dingoes are still numerous. A distinct shock of earthquake was felt on Sunday at about half-past 11 a.m. The things on the shelves were seen to shake, and the roofs rattled audibly. The direction taken seemed to be from south-west to north-east.
1891 05 20 at 22:30 UTC, Orroroo
South Australian Register (Adelaide, SA : 1839 – 1900), Friday 22 May 1891, page 6
SHARP EARTHQUAKE IN THE NORTH.
Orroroo, May 21.
A very sharp earthquake was felt here at 8 o’clock this morning. The direction was north and south.
1891 05 24 at 11:30 UTC, Stansbury
Adelaide Observer (SA : 1843 – 1904), Saturday 30 May 1891, page 16
COUNTRY LETTERS.
Stansbury May 25.
A slight shock of earthquake was felt here last evening about 9 o’clock, the vibration lasting about three seconds.
1891 06 07 at 09:30 UTC, Kapunda
Evening Journal (Adelaide, SA : 1869 – 1912), Monday 8 June 1891, page 2
Earthquake in Kapunda.
Kapunda, June 8.
A shock of earthquake was felt by various residents about twenty minutes past 7 o’clock last evening. It appeared to be travelling from north-west to south-east.
Evening Journal (Adelaide, SA : 1869 – 1912), Tuesday 9 June 1891, page 2
SHOCK OF EARTHQUAKE.—A slight shock of earthquake was experienced at Stockport on June 7 about 6.45 p.m. Some houses were perceptibly shaken and windows rattled. It travelled from south-east to north-west.
1891 07 11 at 11:00 UTC, Meteorite, seen and felt at Watervale
South Australian Chronicle (Adelaide, SA : 1889 – 1895), Saturday 18 July 1891, page 11
SHOCK OF EARTHQUAKE.
Watervale, July 12.
On Saturday night between 8 and 9 o’clock a large and brilliant meteor was seen in this neighborhood, travelling in a south-westerly direction. This was succeeded shortly after by a severe shock of earthquake, which appeared to take a south-easterly course.
1891 07 10 at 18:10 UTC, Orroroo
Adelaide Observer (SA : 1843 – 1904), Saturday 18 July 1891, page 16
ORROROO, July 11.
A shock of earthquake, accompanied by a rumbling noise, was experienced this morning at about 3.40. It appeared to be travelling north-east.
1891 08 10 at 14:30 UTC, Blinman
Sydney Mail and New South Wales Advertiser (NSW : 1871 – 1912), Saturday 15 August 1891, page 355
Earthquake.
An unusual report was received by the Government Astronomer on Tuesday. The telegram states that the stationmaster at Blinman, about 350 miles north of Adelaide, observed a severe shock of earthquake about midnight on Monday. Everything in the telegraph-office shook very perceptibly, and there was a long, low, rumbling noise, like distant thunder. He believes the direction of the shock was as if travelling north and south, but of this he could not be certain.
1891 08 30 at 09:00 UTC, Hawker
Several of the settlements mentioned in the newspapers were sited along an old Darwin railway line and have since been abandoned.
South Australian Chronicle (Adelaide, SA : 1889 – 1895), Saturday 5 September 1891, page 10
SHOCK OF EARTHQUAKE IN THE NORTH.
Carrieton. August 31.
A sharp shock of earthquake was felt here on Saturday evening at half past 6. It seemed to be travelling from north-west to south-east. Crockery and glassware rattled freely.
Cradock, August 31. On Saturday evening at 6.30 p.m. an earthquake of considerable force occurred here. It was of the tremulous kind, and the direction of the concussion appeared to be from west to east. There was no warning, but it came quite suddenly. Houses rattled from floor to ceiling, causing great alarm.
South Australian Register (Adelaide, SA : 1839 – 1900), Wednesday 2 September 1891, page 5
EARTHSHOCK IN THE NORTH.
Hawker, August 31.
An earthshock was felt and heard here on Saturday evening last at about 6.30, travelling east and west. One house had the ceiling cracked, and another stone house was injured by the shock.
Wilson, August 31. Last Saturday evening about 6.30 a severe earthshock was experienced here. It seemed to be travelling from north-west to south-east.
Gordon, August 31. Rather a severe shock of earthquake was felt here on Saturday evening at 6.30. The windows and doors of the hotel were heard to shake.
Figure 7 Earthquake east of Hawker on Saturday 30 August at 6:30pm CST.
1891 09 18 at 08:40 UTC, Barossa Valley
South Australian Chronicle (Adelaide, SA : 1889 – 1895), Saturday 26 September 1891, page 10
EARTHQUAKE SHOCK.
Tanunda, September 19.
A sharp shock of earthquake occurred here last night, about-10 minutes past 6 o’clock. All day the weather had been very sultry.
Express and Telegraph (Adelaide, SA : 1867 – 1922), Saturday 19 September 1891, page 2
EARTHQUAKE SHOCK.
Greenock, September 18.
The heaviest shock of earthquake ever felt here was experienced at 11 minutes past 6 this evening, travelling from north to south.
Eden Valley, September 18.
A distinct shock of earthquake was felt here at 6.38 p.m., and the sound was like thunder. The direction was from the south-east.
Tanunda, September 19.
A sharp shock of earthquake occurred here last night, about 10 minutes past 6 o’clock. All day the weather had, been very sultry.
South Australian Register (Adelaide, SA : 1839 – 1900), Saturday 19 September 1891, page 6
EARTHQUAKE IN THE NORTH.
Freeling, September 18.
A severe shock of earthquake was felt here at a quarter-past 6 this evening. It travelled from west to east, and lasted several seconds.
Kapunda. September 18.
One of the longest and severest earthshocks we have experienced was felt here at about 6.15 p.m., exactly at moonrise. The apparent direction was from south to north, and the shock lasted several seconds. In some cases ornaments in dwellings were displaced, the shock having a distinct swaying motion, with the rumbling lasting and loud.
Tanunda, September 18. At about 6.15 this evening a severe shock of earthquake, travelling from south-west to north-east, passed here, lasting about seven seconds, accompanied by a loud rumbling noise, and shaking buildings and crockery ware. It was felt particularly at the post-office, a two-storied building, which vibrated considerably, much alarming the occupants, who were at tea.
Greenock, September 18. A severe shock of earthquake was felt at about 6.10 this evening, and caused considerable consternation. It was apparently travelling from north-west to south-east. The weather is sultry.
South Australian Register (Adelaide, SA : 1839 – 1900), Monday 21 September 1891, page 5
REDHILL, September 19.
A shock of earthquake was felt here at 6.15 last night by nearly everybody. It was of short duration but rather sharp.
Figure 8 Felt area of the small earthquake in the Barossa Valley on 18 September 1891 at 6:15pm CST
Bunyip (Gawler, SA : 1863 – 1954), Friday 25 September 1891, page 2
WILLIAMSTOWN, September 21. On Friday last, 18th, at 6.15 p.m., we had a sharp shock of earthquake that made all the crockery rattle, and the undulating and vibratory motion produced a sickening feel ing. It was accompanied by a low rumbling, and appeared to travel from N.E. to S.W. The following morning (19th) at seven o’clock there was a repetition of the occurrence, though not so strong, but accompanied by the same sound and in the same direction. It appears to have been felt by everyone.
Adelaide Observer (SA : 1843 – 1904), Saturday 26 September 1891, page 14
HAMILTON, September 21.
A shock of earthquake was felt here on the 18th at about 6.30 p.m. The weather was sultry at the time.
Northern Argus (Clare, SA : 1869 – 1954), Tuesday 22 September 1891, page 2
On Friday evening a distinct shock of earthquake was felt here about 15 minutes past 6 o’clock. The crockery and windows rattled freely for a few seconds. It seems that it travelled from south to north-west, as it was experienced by the Alma inhabitants.
Mount Barker Courier and Onkaparinga and Gumeracha Advertiser (SA : 1880 – 1954), Friday 25 September 1891, page 2
Blumberg, September 22.
A supposed slight shock of earthquake was felt by some residents about six o’clock on Friday evening. It appeared to travel from west to east.
Advertiser (Adelaide, SA : 1889 – 1931), Monday 21 September 1891, page 4
On Friday evening a shock of earthquake was felt in Gawler and the neighborhood. About 6.15 a low rumbling sound was heard, which was succeeded by a tremulous motion of the earth lasting about five seconds. The undulations apparently came from the south-west, and proceeded in the direction of north-west. During its progress windows rattled, lamps were shaken, and the crockery on the shelves jingled. At Williamstown the shock was so perceptible that a family who were sitting at tea jumped up from the table and left the house. The shock was felt at Roseworthy and in other directions, and it is stated to have been the severest shock that has taken place for many years.
1891 10 30 at 01:45 UTC, Hammond
South Australian Chronicle (Adelaide, SA : 1889 – 1895), Saturday 3 October 1891, page 21
SHOCK OF EARTHQUAKE.
Hammond, October 1.
A sharp shock of earthquake occurred this morning about 12.20. The vibration, which lasted some three seconds, appeared to travel from north to south. The weather is now squally and rain is threatening.
Adelaide Observer (SA : 1843 – 1904), Saturday 3 October 1891, page 21
EARTHQUAKE IN THE COUNTRY.
Hammond. October 1.
A sharp earthquake shock was felt here at about a quarter-past 11 o’clock to-day.
1891 10 10 at 09:30 UTC, Blinman
South Australian Register (Adelaide, SA : 1839 – 1900), Tuesday 13 October 1891, page 4
Blinman reports — “Slight shock of earthquake was felt here Saturday evening at 7 o’clock, apparently travelling north-west to south-east.
1891 12 01 at 02:25 UTC, Redhill
Advertiser (Adelaide, SA : 1889 – 1931), Wednesday 2 December 1891, page 5
EARTHQUAKE SHOCK AT REDHILL.
Redhill December 1.
A violent shock of earthquake occurred here this morning a few minutes before noon, considerably startling the townspeople, many of whom left their houses and business places
to ascertain the cause of the disturbance. The shock, which lasted several seconds, gave the buildings a severe shaking, whilst windows, &c., were heard to rattle distinctly. It was perfectly calm at the time, and the tremor appeared to be travelling south-west.
Areas’ Express (Booyoolee, SA : 1877 – 1948), Friday 4 December 1891, page 2
Our Koolunga correspondent writes— A shock of earthquake was distinctly felt in the town on Tuesday afternoon. The shock lasted about two seconds, and seemed to be passing from South to North.
| 1891 05 03 | 02:00 | -33.1 | 139.3 | 3.0 | Kimberley N.E. | This paper |
| 1891 05 20 | 22:30 | -32.7 | 138.6 | 3.0 | Orroroo | Dix/This paper |
| 1891 05 24 | 11:30 | -34.9 | 137.8 | 2.5 | Stansbury | This paper |
| 1891 06 07 | 09:30 | -34.3 | 138.8 | 2.5 | Kapunda | Dix/This paper |
| 1891 07 10 | 18:10 | -32.7 | 138.7 | 3.0 | Orroroo | Dix/This paper |
| 1891 08 10 | 14:30 | -31.0 | 138.4 | 3.5 | Blinman | Dix/This paper |
| 1891 08 30 | 09:00 | -31.9 | 138.5 | 4.3 | Hawker | This paper |
| 1891 09 15 | 05:30 | -33.2 | 138.3 | 3.0 | Laura | Dix/This paper |
| 1891 09 18 | 08:40 | -34.4 | 138.9 | 3.6 | Barossa Valley | Dix/This paper |
| 1891 10 01 | 01:45 | -32.5 | 138.3 | 3.0 | Hammond | Dix/This paper |
| 1891 10 10 | 09:30 | -31.1 | 138.7 | 3.0 | Blinman | Dix/This paper |
| 1891 12 01 | 02:25 | -33.5 | 138.2 | 3.5 | RedHill | Dix/This paper |
1892
This was a very quiet year, the least activity in the decade, only 6 small earthquakes located, all in the first 6 months of the year.
1892 01 22 at 00:00 UTC, Beltana
Adelaide Observer (SA : 1843 – 1904), Saturday 23 January 1892, page 32
Beltana, January 22.
A distinct shock of earthquake was felt here at about 9.30 this morning. It was travelling from east to west. Rain is threatening.
1892 02 16 at 06:00 UTC, Bendleby
South Australian Chronicle (Adelaide, SA : 1889 – 1895), Saturday 20 February 1892, page 13
BENDLEBY, February 16.
The weather of late has been very hot. A slight shock of an earthquake was felt here between 3 and 4 this afternoon.
1892 02 29 at 13:00 UTC, Quorn
South Australian Register (Adelaide, SA : 1839 – 1900), Wednesday 2 March 1892, page 7
QUORN. March 1.
A slight shock or earthquake was felt here at about 12.25 this morning.
Port Augusta Dispatch, Newcastle and Flinders Chronicle (SA : 1885 – 1916), Friday 4 March 1892, page 3
QUORN NEWS.
A shock of earthquake was felt at Quorn on Monday night, at half past twelve. Some of the townspeople were much alarmed, and it is said that one of our local bonnifaces was nearly thrown out of bed, whereupon he got a lantern and thoroughly examined the building from top to bottom, to see if the mason would be required to repair breaches.
1892 05 17 at 17:30 UTC, Saddleworth
South Australian Register (Adelaide, SA : 1839 – 1900), Thursday 19 May 1892, page 5
SADDLEWORTH CENTRAL, May 18.
A shock of earthquake was felt here this morning at 3 o’clock, damaging the house of Mr. Henry Richardson.
1892 06 01 at 07:45 UTC, Beltana
Albury Banner and Wodonga Express (NSW : 1871 – 1938), Friday 3 June 1892, page 29
SOUTH AUSTRALIAN MEMS.
A telegram received by the Government Astronomer at the Observatory from Beltana Springs, South Australia, states that at 15 minutes past 5 on Wednesday evening, 25th ult., an earthquake shock occurred. No particulars as to the direction or the duration of the shock are given, so that it was probably a very slight one.
1892 06 02 at 14:25 UTC, Hallett
South Australian Chronicle (Adelaide, SA : 1889 – 1895), Saturday 4 June 1892, page 21
AN EARTHQUAKE SHOCK.
Hallett, June 3.
A shock of earthquake was felt here last night. It appeared to be travelling from north-west to south-east.
South Australian Register (Adelaide, SA : 1839 – 1900), Saturday 4 June 1892, page 6
EARTHQUAKE IN THE NORTH.
Hallet, June 3.
A severe earthquake shock was experienced here last night about 11.55, lasting nearly thirty seconds, and greatly alarming some of the inhabitants, who were awakened out of their sleep by the unusual phenomenon. The night was fine, but very calm.
Figure 9 Small earthquake north-east of Hallett where it was strongly felt.
Adelaide Observer (SA : 1843 – 1904), Saturday 11 June 1892, page 16
TEROWIE, JUNE 4.
A severe shock of earthquake was felt on Thursday night at 12.30 at Brehma, Ketchowla, Wonna, and Terowie.
1892 10 30 at 12:00 UTC, Sonic boom from meteor over SA
Evening Journal (Adelaide, SA : 1869 – 1912), Tuesday 1 November 1892, page 2
BRILLIANT METEOR.— Many Adelaideans were privileged on Sunday evening, about 9.30, to see a large and brilliant meteor descend in the eastern heavens causing the sky, which was very cloudy, to be lighted up for some moments. A report followed. Our telegrams show that the meteor was seen in many places out of Adelaide. Mr. A. Dewhirst Gore writes from Mount Lofty under date Sunday, 10.15 p.m.:—” I have just returned from a walk to Aldgate with my wife and niece, Miss Edwards, and when just about passing Hill & Co’s. stables at Stirling West, we were quite startled by the light from a meteor travelling in about a south-west to north-east direction, and after walking about 160 yards we were again startled by a very loud report, which lasted for about ten to 15 seconds, coming from the direction in which the meteor, if such it was, was travelling. Some scientific explanation of the phenomenon would be of great interest.” Our correspondents at Riverton and Woodside state that the meteor was seen at those places. Our Clarendon correspondent writes on October 31 :—”On Sunday at 9.30 p.m. a most brilliant meteor was observed here. It seemed to have started in the vicinity of the moon, taking an east by south course, and lasted about four of five seconds, the reflection from which somewhat resembled the electric light. A few seconds after the meteor disappeared a loud report was heard, which made the earth tremble, and sounded very much like the blasts so often heard here now from the waterworks tunnel, and no doubt would have been taken for the same were it not too early in the evening. Before the meteor there was a large circle round the moon, but after the ring was broken up and formed into a circle resembling on a small scale the Northern Lights, which was a magnificent sight.” Our Strathalbyn correspondent says:—” The meteor was followed by a double explosion, the sound of which was heard for fully a minute after the meteor fell. The explosion was so loud that many people were roused from their sleep. The houses shook, and the general opinion was that an unusually severe earthquake occurred.” Our Riverton correspondent writing on October 31 says:—”A brilliant meteor was observed to fall last night in a south-easterly direction at about half-past 9, lighting up the whole place. Some seven minutes after a long, low rumbling noise was heard.”
South Australian Chronicle (Adelaide, SA : 1889 – 1895), Saturday 5 November 1892, page 12
Tanunda, October 30. A brilliant meteor fell at 9 35 tonight. It was travelling due west, and lasted for seven seconds, during which time everything was as clearly seen as at midday. Callington, October 30. A brilliant meteor was seen here about 9.40 to-night, followed a minute or so later by a rumbling noise, which caused the houses to shake and alarmed the residents. The general conclusion was that the noise was caused by some heavy body striking the earth.
Mount Barker, October 31. About 9.40 on Sunday evening a very brilliant meteor was observed to fall in a south-easterly direction, and at the same time a sharp and distinct shock, accompanied by a noise like an explosion, was felt. Houses were shaken and windows rattled violently. It is surmised that a shock of earthquake took place simultaneously with the fall of the meteor, and great interest was felt in the occurrence.
Riverton, October 31. About half-past 9 last night a brilliant meteor was observed to fall in a south-easterly direction. It illuminated the sky, and was followed by a low rumbling noise a few minutes afterwards.
South Australian Register (Adelaide, SA : 1839 – 1900), Tuesday 1 November 1892, page 6
Milang, October 31. Last night at about 9.40 o’clock a severe shock of earthquake was felt here, shaking windows and doors. A beautiful meteor was also seen at the same time.
South Australian Register (Adelaide, SA : 1839 – 1900), Thursday 3 November 1892, page 5
Lobethal, November 2. On Monday night we had a very heavy thunderstorm. The meteor referred to in your columns passed from south-west to northeast, and the explosion caused houses to shake as if an earthquake had taken place.
BRILLIANT METEOR.— Many Adelaidean were privileged on Sunday evening, about 9.30, to see a large and brilliant meteor descend in the eastern heavens causing the sky, which was very cloudy, to be lighted up for some moments. A report followed. Our telegrams show that the meteor was seen in many places out of Adelaide. Mr. A. Dewhirst Gore writes from Mount Lofty under date Sunday, 10.15 p.m.:—” I have just returned from a walk to Aldgate with my wife and niece, Miss Edwards, and when just about passing Hill & Co’s. stables at Stirling West, we were quite startled by the light from a meteor travelling in about a south-weet to north-east direction, and after walking about 160 yards we were again startled by a very loud report, which lasted for about ten to 15 seconds, coming from the direction in which the meteor, if such it was, was travelling. Some scientific explanation of the phenomenon would be of great interest.” Our correspondents at Riverton and Woodside state that the meteor was seen at those places. Our Clarendon correspondent writes on October 31 :—”On Sunday at 9.30 p.m. a most brilliant meteor was observed here. It seemed to have started in the vicinity of the moon, taking an east by south course, and lasted about four of five seconds, the reflection from which somewhat resembled the electric light. A few seconds after the meteor disappeared a loud report was heard, which made tbe earth tremble, and sounded very much like the blasts so often heard here now from the waterworks tunnel, and no doubt would have been taken for the same were it not too early in the evening. Before the meteor there was a large circle round the moon, but after the ring was broken up and formed into a circle resembling on a small scale the Northern Lights, whioh was a magnificent sight.” Our Strathalbyn correspondent says:—” The meteor was followed by a double explosion, the sound of which was heard for fully a minute after the meteor fell. The explosion was so loud that many people were roused from their sleep. The houses shook, and the general opinion was that an unusually severe earthquake occurred.” Our Riverton correspondent writing on October 31 says:—”A brilliant meteor was observed to fall last night in a south-easterly direction at about half-past 9, lighting up the whole place. Some seven minutes after a long, low rumbling noise was heard.”
| 1892 01 22 | 00:00 | -30.8 | 138.4 | 3.0 | Beltana | This paper |
| 1892 02 16 | 06:00 | -32.2 | 138.6 | 2.5 | Bendleby | This paper |
| 1892 02 29 | 13:00 | -32.4 | 138.0 | 3.0 | Quorn | This paper |
| 1892 05 17 | 17:30 | -34.1 | 138.8 | 3.5 | Saddleworth | Dix/This paper |
| 1892 06 01 | 07:45 | -30.8 | 138.4 | 3.0 | Beltana | This paper |
| 1892 06 02 | 14:25 | -33.3 | 139.0 | 3.4 | Hallett | Dix/This paper |
1893
Like 1892, this was a very quiet year, 8 small earthquakes located, the largest M3.9 at Ngpala.
1893 01 16 at 19:00 UTC, Three earthquakes near Burra
South Australian Register (Adelaide, SA : 1839 – 1900), Wednesday 18 January 1893, page 6
Burra, January 17. Three distinct shocks of earthquake were observed this morning between 4 and 5 o’clock. The last shock was the most severe, causing a vibration in passing.
1893 04 16 at 20:05 UTC, Two earthquakes near Blinman
Adelaide Observer (SA : 1843 – 1904), Saturday 22 April 1893, page 32
SHOCK OF EARTHQUAKE AT BLINMAN.
Blinman, April 17.
Two distinct shocks of earthquake were felt here at 5.35 a.m. The first one lasted for some considerable time. The second shock, which followed a few moments after, was much lighter. Both seemed to travel from north-east to north-west.
1893 05 09 at 14:00 UTC, Hillsley via Kapunda
Kapunda Herald (SA : 1878 – 1951), Tuesday 16 May 1893, page 2
SHOCK OF EARTHQUAKE.—Mr. George Teagle informs us that on Wednesday about midnight a shock of earthquake was felt at Hillsley. The rattling of the windows awakened those in the house.
1893 07 02 at 04:45 UTC, Eucla
Daily Telegraph (Sydney, NSW : 1883 – 1930), Tuesday 4 July 1893, page 4
EARTHQUAKE IN SOUTH AUSTRALIA.
Mr. Todd, the Government astronomer in South Australia, has notified to Mr. Russell the Government Astronomer here, that a slight shock of earthquake was felt at Eucla at 2.15 p.m. (Adelaide time) on Sunday. The sounds produced were like distant thunder, and the vibration was distinctly felt by the residents. The duration of the earthquake was about 10sec.
1893 07 15 at 15:30 UTC, Orroroo
Advertiser (Adelaide, SA : 1889 – 1931), Monday 17 July 1893, page 6
AN EARTHQUAKE SHOCK.
Orroroo, July 16.
During yesterday nice showers of rain, culminating in a heavy storm with thunder and lightning, fell here. At about 1 o’clock this morning the weather suddenly became very
close, with a clear sky except round the horizon, and about a quarter of an hour later a distinct earthquake shock travelling in a southerly direction was felt. Windows, doors, and ornaments rattled. A stillness followed the vibration for a short time, and then the heaviest fall of rain we have had this season followed, lasting fully an hour without an interval. Showers have continued ever since, and heavy weather is threatening.
1893 08 13 at 02:15 UTC, Ngapala
South Australian Register (Adelaide, SA : 1839 – 1900), Monday 14 August 1893, page 5
A SHOCK OF EARTHQUAKE.
Kapunda, August 13.
At a quarter to 12 to-day a severe earth shock, which lasted several seconds, was experienced. It was apparently travelling west to east, and making a rumbling sound and rattling the crockery and windows.
Riverton, August 13.
A distinct shock of earthquake was felt at about a quarter to 12 to-day, accompanied by a low rumbling noise. Doors, windows, and crockery vibrated considerably.
Southern Cross (Adelaide, SA : 1889 – 1954), Friday 18 August 1893, page 8
BURRA, August 16.
Notwithstanding the fact that a slight shock of earthquake was felt here on Sunday last we are still alive…. …
South Australian Register (Adelaide, SA : 1839 – 1900), Thursday 17 August 1893, page 6
Truro, August 15. A severe shock of an earthquake was felt here shortly before noon on Sunday. It lasted several seconds, and caused windows and doors to shake, and crockery and glassware to rattle.
Advertiser (Adelaide, SA : 1889 – 1931), Tuesday 15 August 1893, page 6
Tanunda, August 14.
An earthquake shock was felt here about a quarter to 12 o’clock yesterday, appearing to travel from north to south.
Adelaide Observer (SA : 1843 – 1904), Saturday 19 August 1893, page 12
Hamilton, August 14.
A shock of earthquake was experienced at 11.45 a.m. on Sunday.
Figure 9 Felt area of the Ngapala earthquake 13 August 1893 at 11:45am CST. Reports came from Tanunda to Burra.
1893 11 09 Night-time, Urania
Adelaide Observer (SA : 1843 – 1904), Saturday 18 November 1893, page 13
Urania, November 11.
A slight shock of earthquake passed through the Hundred of Mulwoortie on Thursday night. It seemed to be travelling in a south-westerly direction. .
1893 12 27 at 10:55 UTC, Kapunda
Kapunda Herald (SA : 1878 – 1951), Friday 29 December 1893, page 2
SHOCK OF EARTHQUAKE.—At twenty five minutes past eight on Wednesday evening a very distinct shock of earthquake was felt in Kapunda. It appeared to be passing from a north-westerly direction, and shook doors and windows. There was quite an atmospheric calm for a time afterwards.
| 1893 01 16 | 19:00 | -33.7 | 138.9 | 3.0 | Burra (3 events) | Dix/This paper |
| 1893 04 16 | 20:05 | -31.1 | 138.7 | 3.0 | Blinman (2 events) | Dix/This paper |
| 1893 05 09 | 14:00 | -34.3 | 139.0 | 2.5 | Hillsley / Kapunda | This paper |
| 1893 07 02 | 04:45 | -31.7 | 129.0 | 3.0 | Eucla | Dix/This paper |
| 1893 07 15 | 15:30 | -32.7 | 138.6 | 3.0 | Orroroo | This paper |
| 1893 08 13 | 02:15 | -34.1 | 139.0 | 3.9 | Ngapala | Dix/This paper |
| 1893 11 09 | – | -34.5 | 137.6 | 2.5 | Urania | Dix/This paper |
| 1893 12 27 | 10:55 | -34.4 | 138.9 | 2.5 | Kapunda | This paper |
1894
This was more than just an average year with 13 earthquakes located, two of them magnitude 4 and on the same special day, 21 March 1894, just 3.5 hours apart, both were reported felt at Port Augusta but details are scarce.
1894 01 03 at 09:00 UTC, Parnaroo
Advertiser (Adelaide, SA : 1889 – 1931), Wednesday 10 January 1894, page 6
Parnaroo, January 9. A distinct shock of earthquake was felt here on Friday night about 6.30. It appeared to be travelling from north-east to south-west.
1894 01 18 at 22:00 UTC, Mt Gambier
Border Watch (Mount Gambier, SA : 1861 – 1954), Wednesday 24 January 1894, page 2
WAS IT AN EARTHQUAKE ?—Mr. H. Vause, who lives in Gambier East, some miles away, informs us that whilst his household were at breakfast on Friday morning they were startled by a loud report, resembling an explosion. It came from the south-west, and was followed a few seconds afterwards by a faint rumbling noise and a distinct earth tremor which, as Bobby Burns puts it, ” made the rafters a’ to dirl.” The roof of the dwelling was of iron, which was made to rattle in a most alarming manner. Mr. Vause at once ran out to see what caused the explosion, but he failed to discern the cause. From enquiries made subsequently he found there were no blasting or other works going on in the neighbourhood to account for the noise, and he is, therefore, of opinion that the commotion was caused by a slight shock of earthquake.
1894 02 08 at 02:00 UTC, Moonta Mine event
South Australian Chronicle (Adelaide, SA : 1889 – 1895), Saturday 10 February 1894, page 22
EARTHQUAKE SHOCK AT MOONTA MINES.
Moonta, February 8.
A severe shock of an earthquake was felt at the Moonta Mines at half-past 11 o’clock this morning. The residents were very much alarmed at the time. The shock was apparently confined to a small area, as the people in the township a mile distant did not feel the slightest sensation.
1894 03 21 at 08:40 UTC, Stephenston
Adelaide Observer (SA : 1843 – 1904), Saturday 31 March 1894, page 10
Port Augusts, March 22.
A sharp shock of earthquake was felt last night at 6.40. It travelled east and west, with a low rumbling noise, and lasted several seconds.
South Australian Chronicle (Adelaide, SA : 1889 – 1895), Saturday 7 April 1894, page 2
Bendleby, March 29. On Wednesday evening last at 20 minutes to 6 o’clock a severe shock of an earthquake was felt in this neighborhood.
1894 03 21 at 13:10 UTC, Yarrah
The location is quite uncertain without a report from Quorn where it ought to have been felt. Both were felt at Port Augusta.
Advertiser (Adelaide, SA : 1889 – 1931), Friday 23 March 1894, page 6
AN EARTHQUAKE SHOCK.
Port Augusta, March 22.
An earthquake shock was felt here at 20 minutes to 11 o’clock last night. It lasted several seconds, and travelled from east to west.
Advertiser (Adelaide, SA : 1889 – 1931), Wednesday 28 March 1894, page 5
Wilson, March 26. A slight shock of earthquake was experienced here on the 21st about 11 o’clock at night.
1894 03 28 at 08:10 UTC, Bendleby
South Australian Chronicle (Adelaide, SA : 1889 – 1895), Saturday 7 April 1894, page 2
Bendleby, March 29. On Wednesday evening last at 20 minutes to 6 o’clock a severe shock of an earthquake was felt in this neighborhood.
1894 04 02 at 22:00 UTC, Baldina
Burra Record (SA : 1878 – 1954), Wednesday 4 April 1894, page 3
EARTHSHOCK — At Baldina on Tuesday morning at 7.30 a shock of earthquake was felt, which caused the crockery on the shelves to rattle and disturb the inmates. It appeared to travel from north to south.
1894 06 13 at 02:20 UTC, Kapunda
Kapunda Herald (SA : 1878 – 1951), Friday 15 June 1894, page 2
Shock of Earthquake. — A shock of earthquake was felt in Kapunda at ten minutes to twelve on Wednesday morning. It appeared to be travelling west, and during its continuance articles of furniture were shaken.
1894 08 07 at 11:30 UTC, Stockwell
South Australian Chronicle (Adelaide, SA : 1889 – 1895), Saturday 11 August 1894, page 13
AN EARTHQUAKE SHOCK.
Stockwell, August 7.
About 9 o’clock this evening a severe shock of earthquake was felt, accompanied by a loud rumbling noise. It appeared to travel from east to west.
1894 08 08 at 13:00 UTC, Kapunda
Kapunda Herald (SA : 1878 – 1951), Friday 10 August 1894, page 2
Shock of an Earthquake — At about twenty-five minutes to 11 on Tuesday night a severe shock of earthquake was felt at Kapunda. It lasted for sometime, and crockery and furniture shook. The loud rumble distinctly preceded the vibration, and the sound gradually passed away. A distant rumble was heard subsequently.
Kapunda Herald (SA : 1878 – 1951), Tuesday 14 August 1894, page 3
Truro. A very severe shock of earthquake was felt here, accompanied by a rumbling noise on Tuesday evening at about 10.20 p.m.
South Australian Register (Adelaide, SA : 1839 – 1900), Thursday 16 August 1894, page 6
HAMILTON, August 9.
To-day was Arbor Day. The school children planted twenty sugar-gums. A slight shock of earthquake was felt here on August 8 at about 10.30 p.m. It appeared to be travelling from south-west to south-east.
Adelaide Observer (SA : 1843 – 1904), Saturday 18 August 1894, page 9
HAMILTON, August 9.
A slight shock of earthquake was felt here on August 8 at about 10.30 p.m. It appeared to be travelling from south-west to south-east.
1894 09 04 at 15:35 UTC, Morchard
South Australian Register (Adelaide, SA : 1839 – 1900), Monday 10 September 1894, page 6
MORCHARD, September 5.
A shook of earthquake was felt here a few minutes after 1 a.m., causing the windows to rattle, with a deep rumbling noise, lasting some few seconds. It appeared to be travelling from east to west.
Border Watch (Mount Gambier, SA : 1861 – 1954), Wednesday 12 September 1894, page 3
MUNBANNAR.
September 6.
It is thought a distinct shock of earthquake was experienced here on Wednesday morning last. The shock is generally presumed to have lasted three seconds. A neighbour had a quantity of crockery reduced to small particles, but I have not heard of any further damage being wrought by the same cause.
1894 09 22 at 19:00 UTC, Wilson
South Australian Register (Adelaide, SA : 1839 – 1900), Friday 28 September 1894, page 6
WILSON, September 24.
A smart shock of earthquake was experienced here very early on Sunday morning. It lasted for several seconds.
1894 10 11 at 10:40 UTC, Tanunda
South Australian Register (Adelaide, SA : 1839 – 1900), Monday 15 October 1894, page 4
Earth Shock. — The telegraphmaster at Tanunda has reported to the Postmaster General that a sharp shock of earthquake occurred there on Thursday evening at 8 o’clock, of only little more than a second’s duration. It passed from north-north-east to south-south-west. The night was beautifully fine and bright. Our correspondent, writing on October 12, says:— “A slight shock of earthquake was felt here yesterday evening at about 8.10 o’clock. It was noticed by nearly everybody in the township. The vibration was apparently travelling from north-east to south-west. The sky was quite clear.”
1894 10 20 at 22:00 UTC, Near Booleroo Centre
Laura Standard (SA : 1889 – 1917), Friday 26 October 1894, page 380
A Meteor. — A bright meteor was observed in the north-western sky on Monday evening last at 7.45 p.m., descending in a westerly direction.
Shock of Earthquake, — We learn that at Mr. T. White’s homestead, five miles from Booleroo Centre, on Sunday morning last, at half-past 7, there was a very severe shock of an earthquake.
| 1894 01 03 | 09:00 | -33.0 | 139.3 | 3.0 | Parnaroo | This paper |
| 1894 01 18 | 22:00 | -37.8 | 140.8 | 2.5 | Mt Gambier | This paper |
| 1894 03 21 | 08:40 | -32.4 | 138.2 | 4.2 | Stephenston | This paper |
| 1894 03 21 | 13:10 | -32.1 | 137.9 | 4.0 | Yarrah | Dix/This paper |
| 1894 03 28 | 08:10 | -32.3 | 138.7 | 3.0 | Bendleby | This paper |
| 1894 04 02 | 22:00 | -33.7 | 139.1 | 3.0 | Baldina | This paper |
| 1894 06 13 | 02:20 | -34.3 | 138.9 | 3.0 | Kapunda | Dix/This paper |
| 1894 08 07 | 11:30 | -34.44 | 139.05 | 2.5 | Stockwell | This paper |
| 1894 08 08 | 13:00 | -34.3 | 138.9 | 3.6 | Kapunda | Dix/This paper |
| 1894 09 04 | 15:35 | -32.7 | 138.5 | 3.0 | Morchard | Dix/This paper |
| 1894 09 22 | 19:00 | -32.1 | 138.3 | 3.0 | Wilson | Dix/This paper |
| 1894 10 11 | 10:40 | -34.5 | 139.0 | 3.0 | Tanunda | Dix/This paper |
| 1894 10 20 | 22:00 | -32.9 | 138.4 | 2.5 | Booleroo Centre | This paper |
1895
Twenty earthquakes are listed for the year which does not include a significant series of earthquakes near Kapunda in July/August/September 1895, with 150 felt aftershocks, the largest on 2 August causing damage at Bagot’s Well. Newspapers scanned over this period indicate few reports but say they were felt ‘within a radius of 18 to 20 miles’ that suggests a magnitude of just 3.6, belieing the damage at Bagot’s Well.
1895 01 02 at 00:00 UTC, Cavenagh
Laura Standard (SA : 1889 – 1917), Friday 4 January 1895, page 417
Shock of Earthquake.— A distinct shock of an earthquake was felt at Booleroo Centre on Wednesday morning last about half-past nine o’clock.
Port Augusta Dispatch, Newcastle and Flinders Chronicle (SA : 1885 – 1916), Friday 11 January 1895, page 3
On Wednesday, 2nd January, a shock of earthquake was felt at Orroroo.
A death caused by recent earthquake
Petersburg Times (SA : 1887 – 1919), Friday 18 January 1895, page 4
The late Accident at Cavenagh
Farther particulars with reference to the accident which occurred at Cavenagh (not Dawson, as previously stated,) on Wednesday, January 3rd, are to hand.
It appears that the late Mr Thomas Quirk, with his three brothers and a lad named Mulvahill, occupied an underground room adjoining the residence of Mr Quirk sen. The wall of the building is supposed to have been loosened by the severe shock of earthquake which was felt in the district in the morning, and this subsequently collapsed, causing the accident.
The deceased shared a bed with his brother Edward, and was soundly sleeping when the roof fell in. Edward awoke just in time to leap clear of the falling earth and miraculously escaped uninjured. Patrick, another brother, who was sleeping in another part of the room, sustained a severe fracture of the collarbone, but is now progressing favorably, the others luckily escaping with sundry cuts and bruishes.
Fully four tons of earth fell, and every effort was made to rescue the buried man, but to no avail. When recovered, life was extinct, but the body was not even bruised, suffocation being the cause of death.
So a severe shock of earthquake struck Cavenagh and was felt at Orroroo and Booleroo Centre, the distance between Cavenagh and Booleroo Centre about 80km. With an epicentre nearer Cavenagh than Orroroo, the magnitude would have been about 4.2, large enough to have triggered the final collapse of an unreinfoced masonry class-D quality wall.
The other 2 deaths attributed to an earthquake in South Australia followed on from the large 1902 St Vincent’s Gulf earthquake (McCue and McArdle, 1992).
1895 01 11 at 05:45 UTC, Watervale
Express and Telegraph (Adelaide, SA : 1867 – 1922), Monday 14 January 1895, page 4
AN EARTHQUAKE SHOCK.
Watervale. January 11.—At 3.15 p.m. a severe earthquake shock passed by, apparently travelling from south-west to north-east, causing crockery and other articles to rattle.
1895 02 10 at 06:00 UTC, Kapunda
Kapunda Herald (SA : 1878 – 1951), Friday 15 February 1895, page 2
EARTHQUAKE.— About 3.30 o’clock on Sunday afternoon a shock of earthquake was felt in Kapunda.
1895 03 23 at 11:00 UTC, Eurelia
South Australian Register (Adelaide, SA : 1839 – 1900), Tuesday 26 March 1895, page 6
A SHOCK OF EARTHQUAKE.
Orroroo, March 25.
A shock of earthquake was felt here at about 8.30 on Saturday evening. The sound resembled that of distant thunder, and the iron on the roofs vibrated. The sensation lasted several seconds.
CARRIETON, March 25. A shock of earthquake, accompanied by a rumbling noise, was felt here at about half past 8 on Saturday evening.
Adelaide Observer (SA : 1843 – 1904), Saturday 6 April 1895, page 12
JOHNSBURG, March 27.
We had a shock of earthquake about 8.20 on Saturday night, which lasted only a few seconds. It appears to travel from north-east to south-west.
Advertiser (Adelaide, SA : 1889 – 1931), Wednesday 27 March 1895, page 6
BENDLEBY, March 25.—A severe shock of earthquake was felt here on Saturday evening at about 20 minutes to 9 o’clock.
Carrieton, March 25.—At 8.20 p.m. on Saturday a severe shock of earthquake was felt here.
Port Augusta Dispatch, Newcastle and Flinders Chronicle (SA : 1885 – 1916), Friday 29 March 1895, page 2
BOOLCUNDA EAST.
MONDAY, March 25.
A severe shock of earthquake was experienced here on Saturday evening about 8 o’clock. It lasted for about half a minute, and appeared to be travelling from southwest to north-east.
Petersburg Times (SA : 1887 – 1919), Friday 5 April 1895, page 4
CAVENAGH, March 26
A shock of earthquake was felt here on Saturday at 8.15, lasting about 2 seconds The sound seemed to travel south-easterly.
1895 07 19 at 12:45 UTC, Tarcowie
South Australian Register (Adelaide, SA : 1839 – 1900), Tuesday 23 July 1895, page 6
SHOCK OF EARTHQUAKE.
Tarcowie, July 22.
A shock of earthquake was felt here on Friday night, July 18
(note: Friday night was 19 July), as about quarter past 10. It was accompanied by a low rumbling noise much like distant thunder, which lasted several seconds. The weather was very heavy at the time.
Adelaide Observer (SA : 1843 – 1904), Saturday 27 July 1895, page 12
AN EARTHQUAKE,
Booleroo Centre, July 20.
A very loud shock of earthquake took place here last night at half-past 10, apparently travelling from north-east to south-west.
Melrose, July 20.
A heavy shock of earthquake was felt here about 10.30 last night.
Slight shocks of earthquake were felt at Eudunda on Tuesday last (23 July) at 7.50 a.m. and 9.27 p.m. On the following day, there was another shock at 11.10 p.m. and an other again three-quarters of an hour later. They were all accompanied by a low rumbling sound and doors and windows were shaken. The first shock lasted quite ten seconds. Some of the shocks were also felt at Kapunda.
Adelaide Observer (SA : 1843 – 1904), Saturday 27 July 1895, page 29
KAPUNDA, July 24.
Between 9 and 10 last evening we experienced a shock of earthquake. Its course appeared to be from south to north.
South Australian Register (Adelaide, SA : 1839 – 1900), Thursday 25 July 1895, page 6
MELROSE, July 22.
A sharp shock of earthquake was felt here at about 10.20 on Friday night. The noise was at first mistaken for thunder.
1895 07 22 July at 22:20 UTC, Eudunda
Renmark Pioneer (SA : 1892 – 1913), Saturday 27 July 1895, page 3
Slight shocks of earthquake were felt at Eudunda on Tuesday last at 7.50 a.m. and 9.27 p.m. On the following day, there was another shock at 11.10 p.m. and an other again three-quarters of an hour later. They were all accompanied by a low rumbling sound and doors and windows were shaken. The first shock lasted quite ten seconds. Some of the shocks were also felt at Kapunda.
1895 07 23 at 01:20 and 11:57 UTC, Bagot’s Well
1895 07 24 at 13:40 and 14:15 UTC, Kapunda and Eudunda
Kapunda Herald (SA : 1878 – 1951), Friday 26 July 1895, page 2
EARTHQUAKE.—A very distinct shock of earthquake was felt at Kapunda on Tuesday night about 9.30. It made windows and crockery rattle. A shock was also felt in the morning of the same day. A shock was also felt about a quarter past 11 on Wednesday night, and still another about half-past 12 yesterday.
South Australian Register (Adelaide, SA : 1839 – 1900), Friday 26 July 1895, page 5
Earthquakes. — The Postal Department reports having received intelligence of two earthquake shocks at Kapunda on July 23 at 10.50 a.m. and 9.27 p.m. respectively, and two further shocks at Kapunda on the 24th at 11.10 and 11.55 p.m. respectively, the apparent direction on both dates being north to south.
Two slight shocks occurred at Eudunda on July 24 at 11.10 and 11.55 p.m.; the first shaking the windows with a low rumbling noise, and the second being attended by a low rumbling noise only.
Adelaide Observer (SA : 1843 – 1904), Saturday 27 July 1895, page 8
EUDUNDA, July 23.
A shock of earthquake was distinctly felt here this morning at nine minutes to 11, the windows being rattled. It was followed by a rumbling noise, and appeared to be travelling from south-west to north-east.
Adelaide Observer (SA : 1843 – 1904), Saturday 27 July 1895, page 53
The Earthshock.—The station master at Eudunda reported to the Postmaster-General on Wednesday as follows:—”A slight earth tremor ooourred here at 9.27 p.m. yesterday. There was a low rumbling noise, which shook windows. The direction was not apparent.
1895 08 02 at 03:30 UTC, Kapunda, largest of extensive sequence
South Australian Register (Adelaide, SA : 1839 – 1900), Monday 5 August 1895, page 5
A SEVERE EARTHSHOCK.
Kapunda, August 2.
About 1 o’clock to-day we experienced an earth tremor of a very pronounced nature, and which caused a considerable vibration of the contents of buildings. In some instances fears
ascertained as to whether the buildings would withstand the shock. During the past week or two we have, by virtue of their frequent occurrence, become accustomed to ordinary earth tremors, and have learnt to look upon them wish indifference, but the violent nature of this latest has taught us that they are still capable of engendering fear. It is the general opinion that to-day’s shock surpasses for severity anything of a like nature on record here.
Evening Journal (Adelaide, SA : 1869 – 1912), Saturday 3 August 1895, page 4
SHOCK OF EARTHQUAKE.—The Postmaster-General (Sir Charles Todd) on Friday received a report from the stationmaster at Eudunda that a severe shock of earthquake was experienced there at 12.59 p.m. that day, lasting about ten seconds. The apparent direction was south to north, and the shock was accompanied by a low, rumbling noise. The office and quarters of the stationmaster were violently shaken, everything rattled, suspended articles swung, and storekeepers’ goods rattled on the shelves.
Figure 10 Damage at Bagot’s Well on the afternoon of the 2 August 1895 and few felt reports suggest a small very shallow earthquake underneath the town.
At the time the wind was from the north, and the weather was moderate, but threatening. The stationmaster at Bagot’s Well also reported severe shock of earthquake, which damaged the railway cottage, cracking the walls and knocking down some of the plaster. A report of a similar occurrence was received from the stationmaster at Kapunda. The shock was felt there at 1p.m., windows and doors being shaken. A rumbling noise was heard, and the vibration was very pronounced.
Kapunda Herald (SA : 1878 – 1951), Friday 9 August 1895, page 2
Earthquake—One of the severest shocks of earthquake felt in Kapunda for a very long time was experienced at one o’clock on Friday afternoon last. Doors and windows rattled loudly, crockery jingled, and loose books on shelves vibrated. In some parts of the town, it is said, persons had to seize substantial support to prevent being thrown down. Some of the more nervous inhabitants rushed out of doors fearing the walls of the houses would collapse.
South Australian Register (Adelaide, SA : 1839 – 1900), Monday 5 August 1895, page 6
HAMILTON, August 2. A sharp shock of earthquake was felt at 1.15 p.m. to-day. A noise as load as thunder and tremulous motion accompanied it.
1895 08 07 at 01:00 UTC, Eudunda
Express and Telegraph (Adelaide, SA : 1867 – 1922), Thursday 8 August 1895, page 2
AN EARTHQUAKE SHOCK.
The Postmaster-General yesterday received a telegram from the stationmaster
at Eudunda stating :—” Slight shock of earthquake at 10.30 this morning lasting about two seconds, apparent direction south to north, accompanied by low rumbling noise.”
1895 08 08 at 10:30 UTC, Kapunda
Renmark Pioneer (SA : 1892 – 1913), Saturday 10 August 1895, page 2
Another earthquake is reported from Kapunda to have taken place there at eight o’clock on Thursday evening.
1895 08 17 at 16:30 UTC
1895 08 18 at 06:50 and 10:00 UTC Kapunda aftershocks (150 in 4 weeks)
Kapunda Herald (SA : 1878 – 1951), Friday 23 August 1895, page 2
EARTHQUAKES.—Earth tremors continue to be felt in and around Kapunda. At two o’clock on Sunday morning people were awakened from their sleep by a severe vibration. At twenty minutes past four in the afternoon two shocks, one immediately succeeding the other, were felt. Ornaments on shelves were made to rattle. At about 7.30 in the evening another tremor was experienced.
South Australian Chronicle (Adelaide, SA : 1889 – 1895), Saturday 24 August 1895, page 12
A SHOCK OF EARTHOUAKE.
Burra, August 20. — A gentleman arrived in the Burra this morning from the eastern country, and reports that on Sunday evening, when camped some 50 miles out in company with several friends, a very severe shock of earthquake was experienced at about half-past 7 o’clock. The informant says he has experienced several earth tremors, but never so severe a one as that on Sunday night. The weather was very calm at the time.
Kapunda Herald (SA : 1878 – 1951), Friday 16 August 1895, page 3
RECENT EARTHQUAKES.
MOUNT ALLAN STILL INTACT.
NO CAUSE FOR ALARM.
The frequency and severity with which shocks of earthquake have occurred in Kapunda and district during the past four weeks have given rise to all sorts of rumors and fears. The somewhat severe shaking sustained by the stationmaster’s residence at Bagot’s Well and several other houses east of Kapunda have, no doubt, been the basis of many of the rumors. ………. It has been computed that no less than 150 shocks of earthquake have been felt in this district within the last four weeks. The more severe of the tremors appear to have been felt within a radius of eighteen or twenty miles of Kapunda.
1895 09 03 at 01:30 UTC, Hundred of Pearce (County of Musgrave – Eyre Peninsula)
South Australian Register (Adelaide, SA : 1839 – 1900), Wednesday 11 September 1895, page 6
HUNDRED OF PEARCE, September 3.
A severe shock of earthquake was felt here at about 11 a.m.; it seemed to be travelling in a south-easterly direction.
1895 09 21 at 09:35 and 14:30 UTC, Kapunda
Kapunda Herald (SA : 1878 – 1951), Friday 27 September 1895, page 2
Earthquakes.—Earthquake shocks are still being experienced in Kapunda, much to the discomfiture of the more nervous of the community. Shortly after seven o’clock on Saturday evening a severe shock was felt, windows and doors rattling loudly. About midnight there was another tremor, accompanied by a load rumbling which awoke persons out of their sleep.
Earthquake swarms cause community alarm as illustrated by the article that follows from the Kapunda Herald of 16 August 1895 but there is scientific interest in the outcome too. Did the earthquake indeed cause the surface cracking?
Kapunda Herald (SA : 1878 – 1951), Friday 16 August 1895, page 3
RECENT EARTHQUAKES.
MOUNT ALLAN STILL INTACT.
NO CAUSE FOR ALARM.
The frequency and severity with which shocks of earthquake have occurred in Kapunda and district during the past four weeks have given rise to all sorts of rumors and fears. The somewhat severe shaking sustained by the stationmaster’s residence at Bagot’s Well and several other houses east of Kapunda have, no doubt, been the basis of many of the rumors. Unlike the rolling stone, which gathers no moss, the facts have gained in dimensions and hair-straightening description as they have been passed from one person to another, until they have become very little less than a tremendous rent in the earth……..
On Sunday the rumor was freely circulated in the town that Mount Allan was —if not in a state of eruption—in a probationary condition for that event. …..On Tuesday afternoon, therefore, a venturesome party of three determined to prove or otherwise the reports, and set out for the mount…situated a couple or three miles, as the crow flies, north from Allendale. It stands upon gently undulating country, and is practically unattached to the low range close by. At a rough guess its elevation is probably upwards of a hundred feet above the lowest of the immediate country. …… The summit of the mount was directly made for by the party; who found that the mount was in precisely the condition it has been in as long as it can be remembered, except, ot course, for the ravages which time and weather have made upon it. The sides and foot were explored with like result, but an inspection of a ridge about a quarter of a mile north of the mount disclosed the probable origin of the report. Here there were unmistakable signs of earth movement, the back of the ridge, which was of sandstone and black loam formation on the surface, having apparently been broken for three of four feet, and to a depth of at least several feet, and three inches in width. The full length of the irregular fracture being thirty or forty feet. Whether this was caused by the earthquake shocks is simply a matter for conjecture……. It has been computed that no less than 150 shocks of earthquake have been felt in this district within the last four weeks. The more severe of the tremors appear to have been felt within a radius of eighteen or twenty miles of Kapunda.
1895 09 26 at 07:40 UTC, Eden Valley
Chronicle (Adelaide, SA : 1895 – 1954), Saturday 12 October 1895, page 28
Eden Valley, October 3. — A severe shock of earthquake was felt here on Thursday evening last at 5.10 o’clock, lasting about 10 seconds, and appeared travelling from west to east.
1895 12 26 at 03:15 UTC, Billa Kalina
Dix (2013) had a report from Margaret Creek, southwest of Lake Eyre South which is combined with the Mount Eba report below to give a magnitude of 4, but it must have been bigger than that and the epicentre at the mid-point and 50km north of Olympic Dam is quite uncertain.
Port Augusta Dispatch, Newcastle and Flinders Chronicle (SA : 1885 – 1916), Friday 10 January 1896, page 4
MOUNT EBA.
On the 26th inst., at 12.45 p.m. we experienced a severe shock of earthquake, the vibration was felt on all parts of the run as each of the out stations mentioned the occurrence, and it appeared to travel from S. W. to N.E., and lasted quite seven minutes at the home station, where the shock was so strong that it shook the cups, saucers, plates, &c, on the table.
| 1895 01 02 | 00:00 | -32.7 | 138.9 | 4.2 | Cavenagh | This report |
| 1895 01 11 | 05:45 | -34.0 | 138.6 | 3.0 | Watervale | Dix/This report |
| 1895 02 10 | 06:00 | -34.3 | 138.9 | 2.5 | Kapunda | This report |
| 1895 03 23 | 11:00 | -32.6 | 138.6 | 3.4 | Eurelia | Dix/This report |
| 1895 07 19 | 12:45 | -33.0 | 138.5 | 3.0 | Tarcowie | Dix/This report |
| 1895 07 22 | 22:20 | -34.2 | 139.1 | 2.5 | Eudunda | This report |
| 1895 07 23 | 01:20 | -34.3 | 138.9 | 3.0 | Kapunda | Dix/This report |
| 1895 07 23 | 11:57 | -34.3 | 138.9 | 3.0 | Kapunda | Dix/This report |
| 1895 07 24 | 13:40 | -34.3 | 139.0 | 3.0 | Kapunda | Dix/This report |
| 1895 07 24 | 14:15 | -34.3 | 139.0 | 3.0 | Kapunda | Dix/This report |
| 1895 08 02 | 03:30 | -34.29 | 139.01 | 3.6 | Bagot’s Well | Dix/This report |
| 1895 08 07 | 01:00 | -34.2 | 139.1 | 2.5 | Eudunda | Dix/This report |
| 1895 08 08 | 10:30 | -34.3 | 138.9 | 3.0 | Kapunda | This report |
| 1895 08 17 | 16:30 | -34.3 | 138.9 | 3.5 | Kapunda | This report |
| 1895 08 18 | 06:50 | -34.3 | 138.9 | 3.0 | Kapunda | Dix/This report |
| 1895 08 18 | 10:00 | -34.3 | 138.9 | 4.5 | Kapunda | Dix/This report |
| 1895 09 03 | 01:30 | -33.7 | 135.4 | 3.0 | Hundred of Pearce | This report |
| 1895 09 21 | 09:35 | -34.3 | 138.9 | 3.0 | Kapunda | Dix/This report |
| 1895 09 21 | 14:30 | -34.3 | 138.9 | 3.0 | Kapunda | This report |
| 1895 09 26 | 07:40 | -34.6 | 139.1 | 3.0 | Eden Valley | This report |
| 1895 12 26 | 03:15 | -29.8 | 136.4 | 4.0 | Billa Kalina | Dix/This report |
1896
Such an active year with a strong earthquake at Kingston in early May, a foreshock of the large May 1897 earthquakes there, and a series of earthquakes at Burra, three of them of magnitude 4 or more. In all 23 earthquakes are tabulated here, 8 of them aftershocks at Burra.
1896 03 12 at 09:30 UTC, Wilson/Kanyaka Station -32.2, 138.6 M3.9
Chronicle (Adelaide, SA : 1895 – 1954), Saturday 14 March 1896, page 16
AN EARTHQUAKE SHOCK.
Carrieton, March 12.
A sharp shock of an earthquake was felt here at 7 o’clock this evening, shaking the buildings and rattling the crockery.
South Australian Register (Adelaide, SA : 1839 – 1900), Friday 13 March 1896, page 5
A SHOCK OF EARTHQUAKE.
Carrieton, March 12.
A very severe earthquake shock was experienced here this evening at two minutes past 7, shaking the buildings and accompanied with a loud rumbling noise. It seemed to be travelling east and west. This is the first one felt here for some time.
Figure 11 Felt area of the Kanyaka earthquake of 12 March 1896 at 7:30pm CST
South Australian Register (Adelaide, SA : 1839 – 1900), Thursday 19 March 1896, page 5
HAWKER, March 16.
Last Thursday a dust storm passed over the town, lasting for about three hours. In the evening we experienced a shock of earthquake. It lasted for only a few seconds, and it was difficult to tell which way it was travelling. The shock was felt by farmers some miles out of the town.
South Australian Register (Adelaide, SA : 1839 – 1900), Wednesday 18 March 1896, page 6
WILSON, March 16.
A severe shock of earthquake was felt throughout tho district on Thursday evening last between 7 and 8 o’clock.
1896 03 31 at 10:50 UTC, Johnsburg
Adelaide Observer (SA : 1843 – 1904), Saturday 6 April 1895, page 12
JOHNSBURG, March 27.
We had a shock of earthquake about 8.20 on Saturday night, which lasted only a few seconds. It appears to travel from north-east to south-west.
1896 05 04 at 05:35 UTC, Kingston
South Australian Register (Adelaide, SA : 1839 – 1900), Saturday 9 May 1896, page 6
KINGSTON. May 6.
On Monday a severe shock of earthquake was experienced here. Many of the residents were much alarmed. The shock was also felt in the neighbourhood of Wangolina, but apparently nowhere else.
Narracoorte Herald (SA : 1875 – 1954), Tuesday 12 May 1896, page 2
KINGSTON.
May 8.
Earthquakes are fortunately not events of every-day occurrence in this country, but a rather strong shock was felt here on Monday afternoon soon after 3 o’clock. It was accompanied by a loud rumbling noise, as though a heavy roller had been dragged rapidly along the metal road. By many persons it was at first thought that a heavy waggon and horses had bolted, and the shock was sufficient to make glasses and crockery rattle; but I have in Kingston some years ago felt a shock which had a much greater oscillating motion than that experienced on Monday. Some of my friends tell me there were two other but slighter earthquakes felt during the day.
Figure 12 Felt area of the Kingston earthquake of 4 May 1896 soon after 3pm CST.
Border Watch (Mount Gambier, SA : 1861 – 1954), Saturday 16 May 1896, page 4.
NARRACOORTE. A slight earthquake tremor was felt here between three and four o’clock on Monday after-noon last. In some of the houses the dishes and furniture rattled. The shock, I am informed, was more severe at Kingston.
1896 05 24 at 20:00 UTC, Williamstown
Advertiser (Adelaide, SA : 1889 – 1931), Wednesday 27 May 1896, page 6
THE COUNTRY.
AN EARTHQUAKE SHOCK.
WILLIAMSTOWN, May 25. — A distinct shock of earthquake was felt here this morning at about 5.30, accompanied by a loud rumbling noise that lasted for several seconds. The
tremor made the glass and crockery rattle. The apparent direction was not observed.
1896 07 02 at 18:00 UTC, Port Augusta
Port Augusta Dispatch, Newcastle and Flinders Chronicle (SA : 1885 – 1916), Friday 3 July 1896, page 6
EARTHQUAKE.—A severe shock of earth tremor was felt in Port Augusta at about 3.30 this morning, and the windows, doors and crockery in several establishments rattled and shook.
1896 07 02 at 22:05 UTC, Blinman
Adelaide Observer (SA : 1843 – 1904), Saturday 11 July 1896, page 13
An Earthshock in the Far North.—The Postmaster-General has courteously supplied us with the following:—The Postmaster at Blinman reports:— Light shock of earthquake here this morning (July 3) at 7.35; low rumbling sound like thunder, slight tremor, apparent direction north-west to south-east, duration 6 sec. Weather now moderate, fine, clear, and cold.”
1896 07 14 at 12:25 UTC, Booleroo Centre
1896 07 16 at 12:25 and 18:30 UTC UTC (two)
Evening Journal (Adelaide, SA : 1869 – 1912), Friday 17 July 1896, page 2
Earthquake in the Country.
Booleroo Centre, July 17.
An earthquake was felt here last night at about five minutes to 10 o’clock, apparently travelling from north-east to south-west. Other shocks were experienced on Tuesday night, about the same time, and again this morning two shocks in succession were noticed about 4 o’clock, apparently travelling from north-west to south-east.
Advertiser (Adelaide, SA : 1889 – 1931), Saturday 18 July 1896, page 5
EARTHQUAKE SHOCKS.
Booleroo Centre, July 17.
Three distinct shocks of earthquake passed here last night, two within five minutes of each other, travelling from north-west to south-east. The vibration was strong enough to awaken people from their slumbers.
1896 08 22 at 02:50 and 06:50 UTC, Burra – damage
1896 08 23 at 11:30 UTC
Evening Journal (Adelaide, SA : 1869 – 1912), Monday 24 August 1896, page 2
The Earthquake in the North.
Hallet, August 24.
A severe shock of earthquake occurred here on Saturday afternoon about 4.20 o’clock, lasting several seconds. Windows and doors were violently shaken. The tremor appeared to come from east or south-east. It was severely felt at the Burra, doing considerable damage. A second severe shock occurred again last night about 9 o’clock. The weather is beautifully fine and calm.
Evening Journal (Adelaide, SA : 1869 – 1912), Tuesday 25 August 1896, page 3
A SHOCK OF EARTHQUAKE.
The Postmaster-General has received the following additional telegrams respecting the earthquake shocks in the North:—
Manoora, August 24—Another earthquake passed north-west to south-east at 9 p.m. Sunday; duration, 12 seconds. Buildings shaken and furniture in slight motion.
Farrell’s Flat, August 24—Another severe shock of earthquake was felt here last night at 9 o’clock; appeared travelling northwards; duration, about 12 seconds. Slight shock occurred at 2.40 this morning.
Tarlee, August 24—Slight shock earthquake felt here at 9 o’clock Sunday night.
Mintaro, August 24—Last night, about 9.5 o’clock, slight earth-tremor felt here.
Hallett, August 24—Two severe earthshocks were experienced here on Saturday afternoon about 4.20, the other on Sunday night about 9 o’clock. Both appeared to come from southeast or east, lasting several seconds.
In the Burra it was severely felt on Saturday afternoon, doing considerable damage. Georgetown, August 24—Shock of earthquake here on Saturday about 5 p.m., also on Sunday night about 9 o’clock.
Yacka, August 24. A slight earth-tremor was felt here on Saturday afternoon about 4 o’clock, and a much sharper shock again last night at about 9.15, which caused roofs, windows, and crockery to rattle. Both shocks seemed to travel from east to west.
Figure 13 Isoseismal map of the largest of the Burra earthquake swarm, 23 August 1896 (Malpas, 1991).
Watervale, August 24. We had quite a visitation of earth-shocks on Saturday about half-past 12. There was a severe one, which rattled loose articles, and about 4 o’clock two more shocks followed in rapid succession. Again last night, about 9 o’clock, another severe tremor passed. Clare, August 24. An earth-shock of unusual severity for South Australia was experienced here at about 12.20 p.m. on Saturday. People seated in their houses were shifted from their position by the force of the motion. It was more like a butt against the house than a gradual tremor. About four hours later another of like severity was felt, and a third less startling followed. About 9.10 p.m. on Sunday the residents were, alarmed by another earth-tremor of a more pronounced character than any felt on the previous day. The shocks all seemed to travel from north to south, and with the first and last respectively the noise and vibration continued nearly a minute.
Marrabel, August 24. A shock of earthquake was felt here on Saturday at twenty minutes past 12 a.m., and another at 9 o’clock on Sunday night. Both were accompanied by a rumbling sound, and shook the houses, making windows and crockery rattle.
Hallett, August 24. A severe shock of earthquake occurred here on Saturday afternoon about 4.20 o’clock, lasting several seconds. Windows and doors were violently shaken. The tremor appeared to come from east or south-east. It was severely felt at the Burra, doing considerable damage. A second severe shock occurred again last night about 9 o’clock. The weather is beautifully fine and calm.
South Australian Register (Adelaide, SA : 1839 – 1900), Thursday 27 August 1896, page 6
AUBURN, AUGUST 25. Distinct shocks of earthquake were felt here on Saturday at noon, and on Sunday at about 9.15 p.m.
Express and Telegraph (Adelaide, SA : 1867 – 1922), Tuesday 25 August 1896, page 3
EARTHQUAKES IN THE COUNTRY.
AN EXTRAORDINARY OCCURRENCE.
RESIDENTS ALARMED.
Burra, August 24.
Following the earthquake shocks which occurred on Saturday we have experienced. several others since. On Sunday morning, about 3 o’clock, many residents were aroused from sleep by a severe tremor. At about four minutes to 9 o’clock last night another disturbance of unusual severity occurred, and as the weather was very calm at the time the iron roofs were heard rattling in all parts of the town, while the severe motion of the ground caused a great sensation. Residents ran from their dwellings, several chimneys, as on Saturday, were much damaged, and movable articles were displaced. In Kooringa a panic seemed imminent, and residents ran from several houses with their clothes in their hands, some taking blankets and extra garments with them. Several families, especially in Kooringa, camped outside their houses for the night, while others did not go to rest at all. This morning several residents left by the train for the south. Such an occurrence is quite un-precedented in these parts, and consequently considerable fear is manifested among the people, especially women and children. The dwelling-house connected with the Kooringa, post-office is in sad disrepair, and on account of the mason work being so unsound the post-master moved his family to a neighbor’s for the night, and they left this morning for the city. Many of the best buildings in the town had a severe shaking, including the State school, Messrs. Tivors’s store, and the Royal Exchange Hotel at Aberdeen. Residents living outside the town who have come in to-day from Baldina and also from the west report that the shocks were felt severely. Several of the old buildings on the old Burra mine have suffered, and great quantities of earth have fallen into the large cutting. At 3 p.m. a strong north-west wind was blowing, and light showers of rain were beginning to fall.
Watervale, August 24.
We have had quite a visitation of earth tremors. On Saturday we had three. One at half-past 12 o’clock was very severe and rattled loose articles on the shelves, windows, and doors. At about 4 o’clock two more followed in rapid succession. Again last night at about 9 o’clock an even more severe earth tremor passed, alarming the inmates of some of the houses.
The following reports on the matter were received by the Telegraph Department on Monday:
Manoora.—Another severe shock of earth-quake passed north-west to south-east, 9 p.m., Sunday, and lasted 12 sec.; buildings shaken and furniture in motion.
Farrell’s Flat.—A severe shock of earth-quake was felt last night at 9 o’clock. It appeared to be travelling northwards; duration about 12 sec. There was a slight shock about 2.40 this morning.
Tarlee.—A slight shock was felt here about 9 o’clock on Sunday night.
Mintaro.—Last night (Sunday) about 9 o’clock a slight earth tremor was felt.
Hallett.—Two severe shocks of earthquake were felt here, one on Saturday afternoon about twenty past 4, and one on Sunday night about 9 o’clock. Both appeared to come from south east or east, and lasted several seconds. In the Burra it was severely felt on Saturday afternoon, doing considerable damage.
Georgetown.—Shocks of earthquake here on Saturday about 5 o’clock p.m., also on Sun-day night about 9.
Burra Record (SA : 1878 – 1954), Wednesday 26 August 1896, page 3
EARTHQUAKE SHOCKS.
Great Excitement.
At about 12.17 on Saturday last a severe earth shock occurred in Burra, which caused dwellings of all descriptions to shake, and in several instances much damage was done. The shock appeared to travel from west to east, and is said to be the worst ever felt in the neighbourhood. Great excitement prevailed among the residents, many of whom rushed outside their dwellings in fear of the buildings tumbling down upon them. Later in the afternoon two more shocks were felt, which caused much alarm. Crockery rattled, and pictures on walls were disarranged. The post-office buildings suffered from the shock, the walls being cracked in a couple of places. The dressing-rooms at the rear of the Institute suffered, and at the Royal Exchange Hotel the ceiling is cracked in every room on the second floor. At the time of the first shock men were engaged in the Aberdeen ballast quarries, where the shock was also felt but with the exception of a small quantity of debris falling from the sides of the cutting, and a crack on the top, nothing serious happened. Bricks from several chimneys were removed, and falling upon the roofs of the houses lent additional terror to the occurrence. The walls in four private dwellings opened about two and three inches, and the dust from the walls filled the rooms. On Sunday evening at about 9 o’clock another shock occurred, just when many people were retiring to rest. Mothers, with their children, rushed outside of their homes, and some could not be persuaded to return for the night, but preferred ‘ camping out until morning.’ The shock was a severe one, and had a similar effect upon buildings as the first one on Saturday. The shocks had terrifying as well as amusing incidents. At one of the hotels it is reported that two bottles of whisky tumbled off a stand, and the contents were very soon spread upon the floor.
South Australian Register (Adelaide, SA : 1839 – 1900), Wednesday 26 August 1896, page 7
Hamilton, August 25. Smart rain fell last evening. Now fine and cool. A slight earthquake shock was felt here on Sunday evening.
Adelaide Observer (SA : 1843 – 1904), Saturday 29 August 1896, page 10
A SHOCK OF EARTHQUAKE.
A shock of earthquake occurred in the North on Saturday at midday. The Post-Master-General has received the following telegrams:—From the Burra Postmaster— ” Sharp earthshock occurred here at 12.17 p.m.; appeared to be travelling from west to east. The Postmaster at Manoora wired:—” Rather severe shock earthquake travelling south-east to north-west experienced here at 12.16 p.m. Duration about 10 sec.” We hare received the following telegrams from our correspondents.
Burra, August 22.
Three severe shocks of earthquake occurred to-day ; the first at 12.17 p.m., others at 4.19
p.m. and 4.21 p.m. The disturbance was apparently travelling from from west to east. It
caused considerable alarm, as some of the larger buildings shook exceedingly. In some of the shops goods fell from the shelves to the floor. At Aberdeen a chimney fell down. The second shock was of a milder character.
Watervale, August 22.
A sharp earth tremour passed here to-day. It rumbled like an approaching wagon, and almost shook the crockery and light articles off the shelves. The weather was windy at the time, but has set in very sultry, with the appearance of heavy weather working up.
Burra, August 23.
Great alarm was caused by another shock of earthquake to-night at 9 o’clock, making the sixth shock since yesterday. The postmaster’s family left their residence, being afraid to remain in the building. Yesterday’s shocks injured the buildings, walls and ceilings were cracked, and chimneys broken. In shops and dwellings articles fell from off the shelves. There was great consternation, and females in several instances fainted.
Yacka, August 24.
A slight earth-tremor was felt here on Saturday afternoon about 4 o’clock, and a much sharper shock again last night at about 9.15, which caused roofs, windows, and crockery to rattle. Both shocks seemed to travel from east to west.
Watervale, August 24.
We had quite a visitation of earth-shocks on Saturday about half-past 12. There was a severe one, which rattled loose articles, and about 4 o’clock two more shocks followed in rapid succession. Again last night, about 9 o’clock, another severe tremor passed.
Clare, August 24.
An earth-shock of unusual severity for South Australia was experienced here at about 12.20 p.m. on Saturday. People seated in their houses were shifted from their position by the force of the motion. It was more like a butt against the house than a gradual tremor. About four hours later another of like severity was felt, and a third less startling followed. About 9.10 p.m. on Sunday the residents were alarmed bv another earth-tremor of a more pronounced character than any felt on the previous day. The shocks all seemed to travel from north to south, and with the first and last respectively the noise and vibration continued nearly a minute.
Marrabel, August 24,
A shock of earthquake was felt here on Saturday at twenty minutes past 12 a.m., and another at 9 o’clock on Sunday night. Both were accompanied by a rumbling sound, and shook the houses, making windows and crockery rattle.
Jamestown, August 24.
Two distinct shocks of earthquake have been felt here during the last two days, the first on Saturday afternoon about 4 o’clock, and the other at 9 p.m. on Sunday. In some houses the windows were shaken and the crockery and glassware were distinctly heard to rattle. The shocks were accompanied with a low rumbling noise.
Hallett, August 24.
A severe shock of earthquake occurred here on Saturday afternoon about 4.20 o’clock, lasting several seconds. Windows and doors were violently shaken. The tremor appeared to come from east or south-east. It was severely felt at the Burra, doing considerable damage. A second severe shock occurred again last night about 9 o’clock. The weather is beautifully fine and calm.
The Postmaster-General has received the following additional telegrams respecting the earthquake shocks in the North: —
Manoora, August 24—Another earthquake passed north-west to south-east at 9 p.m. Sunday; duration, 12 seconds. Buildings shaken and furniture in slight motion.
Farrell’s Flat, August 24—Another severe shock of earthquake was felt here last night at 9 o’clock; appeared travelling northwards; duration, about 12 seconds. Slight shock occurred at 2.40 this morning.
Tarlee, August 24—Slight shock earthquake felt here at 9 o’clock Sunday night.
Mintaro, August 24—Last night, about 9.5 o’clock, slight earth-tremor felt here.
Hallett, August 24—Two severe earthshocks were experienced here on Saturday afternoon about 4.20, the other on Sunday night about 9 o’clock. Both appeared to come from south east or east, lasting several seconds. In the Burra it was severely felt on Saturday after-noon, doing considerable damage.
Georgetown, August 24—Shock of earth-quake here on Saturday about 5 p.m., also on Sunday night about 9 o’clock.
Chronicle (Adelaide, SA : 1895 – 1954), Saturday 29 August 1896, page 19
EARTHQUAKE SHOCKS IN THE COUNTRY.
Burra, August 22.
A terrific earthquake shock occurred at 12.20 p.m. to-day. The shock lasted for a considerable time, causing great consternation among the residents, who during the tremor ran from their dwellings and business places in all directions. Nothing approaching the severity of this shock can be remembered by the oldest residents of the town. The disturbance seemed to be travelling from west to east, and besides causing a heavy rumbling noise like distant thunder a very unpleasant motion was felt. In all parts of Kooringa movable things lost their equilibrium, and several chimneys were damaged. Information is to hand of one or two having been destroyed, necessitating their rebuilding. Pictures, ornaments, and crockery in many houses suffered, and in one house nearly the whole of a newly-plastered ceiling fell down. Several of the old dwellings belonging to the South Australian Mining Association were cracked and rather severely knocked about. At Kooringa an old lady was just taking the tea kettle off the fire when the shock occurred, causing her to fall heavily to the ground. Two other shocks occurred between 4 o’clock and half-past 4. The shocks were very severe each time, apparently travelling from west to east. Farrell’s Flat, August 22. A severe shock of earthquake occurred here at 12.19 p.m., travelling northward. Duration of shock, 10 seconds. Buildings were shaken, and the crockery rattled. Station masters report that the shock was severe in various offices. Residents assert that it is the worst shock recorded, for years. It is to be hoped that rain will follow. Watervale, August 22. A sharp earth tremor occurred here to-day. The disturbance caused a rumbling sound like an approaching waggon and almost shook crockery and light articles off the shelves in many dwellings. The weather was windy at the time, but it has now set in very sultry, with every appearance of heavy weather working up. The Postmaster-General received the following telegrams : — ‘ Sharp earthquake occurred here at 12.17 p.m. Appeared to be travelling from west to east.’— Postmaster, Burra. ‘Rather severe shock earthquake, travelling south-east to north-west, experienced here at 12.16 p.m. Duration about 10 sec.’ — Postmaster, Manoora. Burra, August 24. Following the earthquake shocks which occurred on Saturday we have experienced several others since. On Sunday morning, about 3 o’clock, many residents were aroused from sleep by a severe tremor. At about four minutes to 9 o’clock last night another disturbance of unusual severity occurred, and as the weather was very calm at the time the iron roofs were heard rattling in all parts of the town, while the severe motion of the ground caused a great sensation. Residents ran from their dwellings, several chimneys, as on Saturday, were much damaged, and movable articles were displaced. In Kooringa a panic seemed imminent, and residents ran from several houses with their clothes in their hands, some taking blankets and extra garments with them. Several families, especially in Kooringa, camped outside their houses for the night, while others did not go to rest at all. This morning several residents left by the train for the south. Such an occurrence is quite un-precedented in these parts, and consequently considerable fear is manifested among the people, especially women and children. The dwelling-house connected with the Kooringa post-office is in sad disrepair, and on account of the mason work being so unsound the post-master moved his family to a neighbor’s for the night, and they left this morning for the city. Many of the best buildings in the town had a severe shaking, including the State school, Messrs. Tivers’s store, and the Royal Exchange Hotel at Aberdeen. Residents living outside the town who have come in to-day from Baldina and also from the west report that the shocks were felt severely. Several of the old buildings on the old Burra mine have suffered, and great quantities of earth have fallen into the large cutting. At 3 p.m. a strong north-west wind was blowing, and light showers of rain were beginning to fall. Watervale, August 24. We have had quite a visitation of earth tremors. On Saturday we had three. One at half-past 12 o’clock was very severe and rattled loose articles on the shelves, windows, and doors. At about 4 o’clock two more followed in rapid succession. Again last night at about 9 o’clock an even more severe earth tremor passed, alarming the inmates of some of the houses. The following reports on the matter were received by the Telegraph Department on Monday : Manooka,— Another severe shock of earth- quake passed north-west to south-east, 9 p.m., Sunday, and lasted 12 sec; buildings shaken and furniture in motion. Farrell’s Flat.— A severe shock of earth-quake was felt last night at 9 o’clock. It appeared to be travelling northwards ; duration about 12 sec. There was a slight shock about 2.40 this morning. Tarlee. — A slight shock was felt here about 9 o’clock on Sunday night. Mintaro.— Last night (Sunday) about 9 o’clock a slight earth tremor was felt. Hallett.— Two severe shocks of earthquake were felt here, one on Saturday afternoon about twenty past 4, and one on Sunday night about 9 o’clock. Both appeared to come from south- east or east, and lasted several seconds. In the Burra it was severely felt on Saturday afternoon, doing considerable damage. Georgetown.— Shocks of earthquake here on Saturday about 5 o’clock p.m., also on Sunday night about 9.
1896 08 25 at 07:30, 11:30, 18:00, 19:00 and 08 26 at 02:25 UTC, Burra
Advertiser (Adelaide, SA : 1889 – 1931), Thursday 27 August 1896, page 6
THE COUNTRY.
THE BURRA.
BURRA, August 26.—Apart from the series of severe shocks of earthquake experienced here during the past few days we have been troubled with several others since, no less than
four most pronounced tremors having taken place since midday on Tuesday. One occurred last night at 5 o’clock, another at about 9 p.m., and the others this morning between 3 and 4 o’clock and 4 and 5 o’clock respectively. To day, shortly before 12 o’clock, a slight disturbance was again noticeable.
1896 08 ??, Warooka
Kapunda Herald (SA : 1878 – 1951), Friday 4 September 1896, page 2
COUNTRY INTELLIGENCE.
WAROOKA, Y.P., August 24.
It is only at rare intervals that an earthquake shock can be recorded in this part of the colony, but when we do experience a subterranean shock the disturbance is always very perceptible; this being the case, that which occurred at as early hour the other morning was no exception to the rule, the rumbling which accompanied it being akin to the noise caused by a heavy train when passing over a bridge.
1896 09 15 13:30 UTC, Booborowie
Chronicle (Adelaide, SA : 1895 – 1954), Saturday 19 September 1896, page 22
EARTHQUAKE SHOCKS.
Burra, September 16.
Another severe earthquake shock is reported from Booborowie and Mount Bryan to have occurred about 11 o’clock last evening. Several residents of the town state that a slight tremor was felt shortly before midnight. According to the reports to hand the shock, especially at Booborowie, was very distinct, but not by any means so severe as those of some weeks since.
Express and Telegraph (Adelaide, SA : 1867 – 1922), Thursday 17 September 1896, page 4
EARTHQUAKE SHOCKS.
Burra, September 16.
Another severe earthquake shock is reported from Booborowie and Mount Bryan to have occurred about 11 o’clock last evening. Several residents of the town state that a slight tremor was felt shortly before midnight. According to the reports to hand the shock, especially at Booborowie, was very distinct, but not by any means so severe as those of some weeks since.
1896 09 18 at night, Bruce
Port Augusta Dispatch, Newcastle and Flinders Chronicle (SA : 1885 – 1916), Friday 25 September 1896, page 4
A slight shock of earthquake was reported from near Bruce on Friday night last.
South Australian Register (Adelaide, SA : 1839 – 1900), Wednesday 23 September 1896, page 6
QUORN, SEPTEMBER 19. Several farmers from near Bruce state that a shock of earthquake occurred last night travelling east and west.
1896 10 20 at 09:45 UTC, Mongolata
South Australian Register (Adelaide, SA : 1839 – 1900), Saturday 24 October 1896, page 6
MONGOLATA, October 20. A shock of earthquake was felt here this evening at about 7.15. It appeared to be travelling from north-west to south-east.
1896 11 23 at 01:30 UTC, East Wellington
Mount Barker Courier and Onkaparinga and Gumeracha Advertiser (SA : 1880 – 1954), Friday 27 November 1896, page 3
East Wellington, November 25.
On Monday morning at about 11 o’clock a distinct shock of earth-tremor was felt by a number of people. From reports made to me it would seem to have been travelling from south to north, as people at Ashville, Wellington, and Tailem Bend noticed it. It was accompanied by a loud rumbling like distant thunder or the sound of an explosion.
| 1896 03 12 | 09:30 | -32.2 | 138.6 | 3.9 | Wilson/Kanyaka Stn. | Dix/This report |
| 1896 03 31 | 10:50 | -32.5 | 138.7 | 3.0 | Johnsburg | This report |
| 1896 05 04 | 05:35 | -36.8 | 139.8 | 4.5 | Kingston | Dix/This report |
| 1896 05 24 | 20:00 | -34.7 | 138.9 | 3.0 | Williamstown | This report |
| 1896 07 02 | 18:00 | -32.4 | 137.7 | 3.0 | Port Augusta | This report |
| 1896 07 02 | 22:05 | -31.1 | 138.7 | 3.0 | Blinman | Dix/This report |
| 1896 07 14 | 12:30 | -32.9 | 138.4 | 2.5 | Booleroo Centre | Dix/This report |
| 1896 07 16 | 12:25 | -32.9 | 138.4 | 3.0 | Booleroo Centre | Dix/This report |
| 1896 07 16 | 18:30 | -32.9 | 138.4 | 2.5 | Booleroo Centre | Dix/This report |
| 1896 07 16 | 18:35 | -32.9 | 138.4 | 2.5 | Booleroo Centre | This report |
| 1896 08 22 | 02:50 | -33.69 | 138.91 | 4.3 | Burra | Dix/This report |
| 1896 08 22 | 06:50 | -33.69 | 138.91 | 4.0 | Burra | Dix/This report |
| 1896 08 23 | 11:30 | -33.71 | 138.94 | 4.2 | Burra | Dix/This report |
| 1896 08 24 | 02:25 | -33.7 | 138.9 | 3.0 | Burra | This report |
| 1896 08 25 | 07:30 | -33.7 | 138.9 | 2.5 | Burra | This report |
| 1896 08 25 | 11:30 | -33.7 | 138.9 | 2.5 | Burra | This report |
| 1896 08 25 | 18:00 | -33.7 | 138.9 | 2.5 | Burra | This report |
| 1896 08 25 | 19:00 | -33.7 | 138.9 | 2.5 | Burra | This report |
| 1896 08 26 | 02:25 | -33.7 | 138.9 | 2.5 | Burra | This report |
| 1896 08 – | – | -35.0 | 137.4 | 2.5 | Warooka | This report |
| 1896 09 15 | 13:30 | -33.55 | 138.8 | 3.0 | Booborowie | This report |
| 1896 09 18 | – | -32.5 | 138.2 | 3.0 | Bruce | This report |
| 1896 10 20 | 09:45 | -33.6 | 139.1 | 3.0 | Mongolata | This report |
| 1896 11 23 | 01:30 | -35.33 | 139.4 | 3.2 | Wellington | This report |
1897
With 32 earthquakes located, this is the most active year in South Australia’s nearly 200 years of European settlement and the year of its equal largest known and damaging earthquake. The so-called Kingston or Kingston-Beachport earthquake occurred in the south-east of the State, its magnitude about 6.5. This location is not where most of the States earthquakes have occurred in the last 60 years of modern instrumental coverage. Nor was the next largest earthquake, fewer than 6 years later, at the entrance to St Vincent’s Gulf. So as predictors of earthquake hazard the modern record fails. That is the major lesson of the historical record: the instrumental record is too short a period on which to base unbiased hazard estimates.
Underground tanks were reportedly damaged at Laura by a nearby earthquake on 27 April.
Things that were learned in the 1897 earthquake. but soon forgotten:
- Structural damage is caused by strong earthquakes in Australia
- Weatherboard (timber) houses are safer than stone or brick structures in an earthquake and people chose to live in tents for months during Autumn and winter rather than live in the latter.
- The consequences of a strong earthquake can be dramatic: effects, later termed liquefaction, occurred in swampy saturated silty sandy sediments …”at several points in the South-East some of the most remarkable phenomena of a month ago were those connected with the spurting of water from the ground. In one locality a piece of earth and rock was pushed upward by the force of the water, making a sort of plug which lay on the surface like a cork drawn out of a bottle.
- Aftershocks can last for years and may do further damage. They appear to have been widely distributed, at least from Beachport to Kingston (100km).
- Post-earthquake, engineers are required to assess the damage and the safety and resilience of damaged buildings – not the police.
- Seismographs are required to measure the ground shaking rather than people using uninformed guesswork. This earthquake sparked the state need to have a seismograph.
- A survey showed that there were no changes in water depth in the bay at Kingston following the earthquake in May.
- No tsunami was observed.
The 1897 earthquakes, a chronological list
1897 01 28 night and next morning, Blinman
South Australian Register (Adelaide, SA : 1839 – 1900), Saturday 30 January 1897, page 5
A SHOCK OF EARTHQUAKE.
Blinman, January 29.
A sharp shock of earthquake was experienced last night, and an unusually sharp one this morning.
1897 03 30 at 06:45 UTC, Belton
South Australian Register (Adelaide, SA : 1839 – 1900), Tuesday 6 April 1897, page 6
BELTON, April 3.
On Tuesday at 4.15 p.m. a rather severe shock of earthquake was experienced here. The vibrations lasted for some moments and appeared to be travelling from south-west to north-east.
1897 04 09 at 14:30 UTC, Port MacDonnell
Border Watch (Mount Gambier, SA : 1861 – 1954), Wednesday 14 April 1897, page 2
PORT MACDONNELL. April 18 (Ed. – typo).
Rather an unusual occurrence took place here on Friday night last at about midnight. An earthquake shock was felt in many places in the township, whilst at the lighthouse it was very marked, and caused the second-keeper to lift his weather optic and hold on. This shock was also felt at the Cape Banks Lighthouse.
1897 04 10 at 02:30 UTC, Moonta Mine
Adelaide Observer (SA : 1843 – 1904), Saturday 17 April 1897, page 27
SHOCK OF EARTHQUAKE AT MOONTA MINES. —”On Saturday last, at about noon,” writes our Moonta correspondent, “a severe earth-shock was experienced by the miners while at work in Baddome’s Shaft, Moonta Mines. So great was the shock, it is stated, that three of the men working in one of the stopes were thrown down with considerable violence. They were partially buried, and sustained several bruises. It is stated that part of the road to the shaft was displaced.”
1897 04 11 at 15:30 UTC, Port Macdonnell
Chronicle (Adelaide, SA : 1895 – 1954), Saturday 17 April 1897, page 19
EARTHQUAKE SHOCKS.
Mount Gambier, April 13.
Mr. Stewart the underkeeper at the Cape Banks lighthouse, arrived from there this evening, and reports that they experienced two shocks of earthquake at the lighthouse at 1 o’clock on Monday morning. The lighthouse lamps were visibly affected, and it was feared the glasses would be broken. However no injury was done.
1897 04 23 at 21:00 UTC, Eurelia
Adelaide Observer (SA : 1843 – 1904), Saturday 1 May 1897, page 9
EARTHQUAKE SHOCKS IN THE NORTH.
Bendleby, April 26.
A slight shock of earthquake was felt here on Saturday morning.
South Australian Register (Adelaide, SA : 1839 – 1900), Tuesday 27 April 1897, page 6
TARCOWIE, April 26.
A sharp shock of earthquake was felt here on Saturday morning last at half-past 6. It appeared to travel from west to east, and was accompanied by a loud rumbling noise like distant thunder, which lasted for several seconds.
Adelaide Observer (SA : 1843 – 1904), Saturday 1 May 1897, page 9
EARTHQUAKE SHOCKS IN THE NORTH.
Bendleby, April 26.
A slight shock of earthquake was felt here on Saturday morning.
Figure 14 Near Eurelia on 24 April 1897 at 6:30pm CST.
South Australian Register (Adelaide, SA : 1839 – 1900), Monday 26 April 1897, page 6
WALLOWAY, April 24.
Two distinct shocks of earthquake were felt last night. One was very loud and rumbled like distant thunder.
South Australian Register (Adelaide, SA : 1839 – 1900), Tuesday 27 April 1897, page 6
COOMOOROO EAST, April 26.
On Saturday morning last a shock of an earthquake was felt almost all over the district. It seemed to be travelling from south to north.
TARCOWIE, April 26.
A sharp shock of earthquake was felt here on Saturday morning last at half-past 6. It appeared to travel from west to east, and was accompanied by a loud rumbling noise like distant thunder, which lasted for several seconds.
Chronicle (Adelaide, SA : 1895 – 1954), Saturday 1 May 1897, page 14
Our Orroroo correspondent reports under date of April 24 : — “A distinct shock of earthquake was felt here this morning at 6.20 o’clock. The tremor lasted for fully six seconds and caused windows to rattle furiously.”
1897 04 26 at 09:30 UTC, Marrabel
Kapunda Herald (SA : 1878 – 1951), Friday 30 April 1897, page 3
MARRABEL, April 28.
On Monday, at 7 p.m., a most peculiar rumbling noise was heard resembling the vibration of an earth tremor, it appeared to travel north-west to south east. People in Saddleworth, Marrabel, aad Friedrichswalde distinctly heard it. They all think it was a shock of an earthquake.
1897 04 27 at 10:33 UTC, Wirrabara
Advertiser (Adelaide, SA : 1889 – 1931), Thursday 29 April 1897, page 6
AN EARTHQUAKE SHOCK.
Port Pirie, April 28.
At about a quarter past 8 o’clock last night a shock of earthquake was felt here. It lasted for 20 or 30 seconds, and appeared to be travelling from south-west to north-east. The weather is fine again. There has been no rain since Monday night.
Laura, April 28. We had a smart shock of earthquake here last night between 7 and 8 o’clock. The trembling of the earth and the perceptible shaking of doors, windows, and articles of furniture in some instances created quite a panic. The shock, which was of short duration, seemed to come from the southward, and travelled in a northerly direction. Some underground tanks are reported to have become cracked by the motion of the earth.
Figure 15 Earthquake near Wirrabara on 27 April 1897 at 8:03pm CST
Adelaide Observer (SA : 1843 – 1904), Saturday 1 May 1897, page 9
EARTHQUAKE SHOCKS IN THE NORTH.
Wirrabara, Tuesday.
A severe shock of earthquake was felt here at three minutes past 8 to-night. The rumbling noise was very loud. Windows and crockery rattled, and a rocking movement was distinctly felt. It was apparently travelling in a south-easterly direction.
Port Pirie, April 27.
A slight shock of earthquake occurred at 8 o’clock to-night. The vibrations appeared to
travel from north to south. The tremors lasted for about fifteen seconds.
Chronicle (Adelaide, SA : 1895 – 1954), Saturday 1 May 1897, page 15
REPORTS FROM THE COUNTRY.
Port Germain, April 28.
A slight shock of earthquake was felt here last evening at about 8 o’clock. The tremor lasted about 20 minutes and appeared to be travelling from east to west. It is many years since we had a similar occurrence.
Caltowie, April 28. A sharp shock of earthquake was felt here last night at about 8 o’clock. The shock lasted about 30 seconds, and appeared to be travelling from north-west to south-east. In one house in the town the shaking was so severe as to cause some of the plaster of the ceiling to fall.
South Australian Register (Adelaide, SA : 1839 – 1900), Monday 3 May 1897, page 6
WANDEARAH, April 27.
To-night a slight shock of earthquake was perceptible.
Bunyip (Gawler, SA : 1863 – 1954), Friday 30 April 1897, page 4
Earthquake shocks at Port Pirie and Laura; some underground tanks reported to have been cracked by the motion of the earth at Laura.
South Australian Register (Adelaide, SA : 1839 – 1900), Thursday 29 April 1897, page 6
TARCOWIE, April 27.
Another shock of earthquakes was felt here this evening about 8 o’clock. It was accompanied by a low rumbling noise, lasting several seconds.
South Australian Register (Adelaide, SA : 1839 – 1900), Friday 31 December 1897, page 7
April 16. Earthshock at Moonta
April 27. Earthshock at Wirrabara and other places in the North.
The 1897 Kingston Earthquake Sequence
A magnitude 4.5 foreshock occurred near Kingston almost exactly a year earlier than the mainshock but this does not seem to have been remembered by journalists at the time of the mainshock on 10 May. A month before the mainshock, a small earthquake occurred near Port MacDonnell and whether this is significant or not isn’t clear. In 1888 there were two earthquakes reported widely, on Sunday 5 July and again on Sunday 30 December, the latter a ‘severe’ earthquake, both felt at Kingston. Recent volcanoes extend from Victoria into the Southeast so the location should not be a surprise. Of the 400 plus aftershocks felt in the Southeast to 31 December 1897, only 23 had enough information to be catalogued.
1897 05 10 at 05:26 UTC, offshore Kingston
This earthquake was extensively studied at the time and isoseismal maps were drawn up by Howchin (1902) and Dodwell (1910) from the effects in South Australia. In 1975 McCue examined the effects in NSW and Victoria and drew another map which was reproduced by Dix (2013). There seems no point in redoing the exercise except to catalogue events in the rich aftershock sequence. I have included some of the newspaper reports where they include new information.
South Australian Register (Adelaide, SA : 1839 – 1900), Wednesday 19 May 1897, page 7
THE EARTHQUAKES.
THE DAMAGE IN THE SOUTH-EAST. FOUR SHOCKS AT KINGSTON.
LUCINDALE, Monday. Now that people have quietened down a little since the earthquake they are setting to work to see what can be done to remedy the disasters which Monday’s shock brought with it. On examination yesterday it was found that the Anglican Church had fared even worse than any building in Lucindale. The whole ceiling had given way, and wide cracks are to be found in the walls under nearly every window. Many smaller shocks have been felt since, and yesterday was the only day during the week that none were recorded.
Figure 16 An isoseismal map of the 10 May 1897 Kingston earthquake, Modified Mercalli scale, the first such map ever compiled by the author using newspaper cuttings from the Riverview collection (provided by Charles Bubb), plus newspaper stories gleaned from the Colindale Newspaper Library in the UK (McCue).
NARRACOORTE, Monday. The earthquake shock on Monday last did a great deal of damage here. It is strange, however, that it did not affect our caves in any way, and although the shock was distinctly felt by the caretaker, no damage was done in the underground caverns. The men working down the new cave felt the shock and made for the surface in quick time, but the interior of the cave suffered no damage. Several light tremors have been felt here during the week.
Express and Telegraph (Adelaide, SA : 1867 – 1922), Tuesday 13 July 1897, page 2
SOUTH-EASTERN EARTHQUAKES.
Mounted-Constable Ewens, at Robe, has sent the following report to Inspector Saunders at Mount Gambier, who forwarded it on to the Commissioner of Police:—”Sir—I have the honor respectfully to state that it was absolutely necessary to inspect the coast in my district after the earthquakes, and I consider a further inspection of the gullies and flats leading from the road to the coast necessary. It would be dangerous were the rocket apparatus called out at night owing to the ground being opened up in so many places along the coast between Robe and Nora-Creina Bay. It would be impossible to get the rocket waggon or packhorses over these parts, and it would be very dangerous at night not knowing what you were approaching. I am posting photos of three places where the ground has been thrown open for you to see. There are worse places farther along the coast. Please forward photo to the Commissioner of Police for his inspection.” M.C. Ewens has also forwarded three photographs showing plainly fissures in the earth measuring from 2 ft. to 6 ft. deep. Writing under date of July 8 our Mount Gambier correspondent says :—” If unusually high wind prevails and shakes window frames and doors during the night the nervous at once take the alarm and attribute the cause to another earthquake shock; hence in some cases rumors get about that another earth tremor has been felt, thus giving to Mount Gambier an unenviable reputation in this respect. I fancy the same remarks apply to other places, Kingston included, where the people appear desirous of holding the earthquake record in the south-east.”
Effects In The South-East
Mount Gambier
Adelaide Observer (SA : 1843 – 1904), Saturday 15 May 1897, page 31
THE SHOCK IN THE SOUTH-EAST.
Writing of the results of Monday’s earthquake, the South-Eastern Star says:—”Knowing that Mount Gambier was at one time an active volcano some people were prepared to picture the result if its subterranean fires, too, should prove not to be altogether extinct. The lakes were not affected further than that their waters were disturbed at the time of the shock. The effects of the shock were to be observed in the state of the buildings both in the town and suburbs. Perhaps the greatest damage was done at the Wesleyan Parsonage. Two chimneys were demolished, the building was violently shaken, and as Mrs. Trevorrow left the upper story of the house much of the plastering from the ceiling fell and caused her considerable alarm. At the back of the Catholic Church four of the crosses were broken, the highest column of the spire of the Presbyterian Church was moved fully 2 in., and a Maltese cross on the corner of the building was broken off. Considerable damage was done to the chimneys at the National Bank, Mount Gambier Hotel, and Mr. T. H. Williams’s residence, and the walls and chimneys at many of the residences were cracked. The bell at the Town Hall was caused to toll, many clocks at the watch makers’ establishments and private houses were stopped, and bottles fell from the shelves in the hotels and shops. At the Compton School the belfry was cracked and the chimney damaged, and at the Glenburnie, O.B. Flat, and other outlying schoolhouses the shock also caused some damage. At the private houses the effect of the tremor was also to be seen in large crevices in the walls of the buildings, damage to the chimneys, and in sometimes costly breakages of picture frames and articles of furniture. The tremor lasted for over thirty seconds. A resident of Mount Gambier, who was in Adelaide in 1855, when the most severe shock ever experienced in the city occurred, states that that at Mount Gambier was much worse. Another gentleman, who was for some years resident in the Far North, says that of the many shocks he experienced there none so marked as that which occurred yesterday were of such duration. Old residents, who have lived in Mount Gambier for close upon half a century, have never known of anything of the kind happening in the district before. There were various opinions expressed as to the direction in which the earthquake was travel-ling, but our telegrams show that the shock occurred almost simultaneously throughout the district. Another tremor was felt by residents in the north end of the town at five minutes to 5. This shock was by no means general, and was only slight. It was sufficient, however, to keep some who had been alarmed by the first shock from re-entering their houses for a considerable time.
Narracoorte
The Narracoorte Herald writes:—”The earthquake did considerable damage, and there is scarcely a house in this town but what has suffered more or less. The National and Union Bank premises had a severe shaking, and the chimneys of both these places were wrecked. The Union Bank is badly cracked in several places. The Commercial Bank premises, now occupied by Mr. J. P. D. Laurie, had several chimneys injured. A portion of the parapet of the Institute was knocked over, and a large quantity of the ceiling of the hall is down. The District Council Chamber was also considerably knocked about and cracked, and the ceiling in several places is damaged. But the stores in the town suffered the greatest. The premises of Messrs. Attiwell & Son, Fullarton and Blackwell, and Limbert Brothers were one mass of debris from the damage done to the stock, especially in crockery and in oilmen’s stores, being dashed off the shelves by the shock. Every house in the town has sustained considerable harm through the smashing of crockery and valuable ornaments. Fortunately the Herald Office, which was thought to be peculiarly susceptible to the effects of earthquake shock, marvellously escaped without damage of any con-sequence. The children at the Narracoorte School rushed out of the building screaming, and on examining the building a large crack was discovered. The dairy factory also sustained damage both inside and outside. Another shock was felt about 5 o’clock, but it did no harm.”
(Ed. No damage occurred in the caves.)
Port MacDonnell
At Port MacDonnell, according to the correspondent of the Border Watch, the earthquake on Monday continued for about a quarter of a minute, and caused the houses and other buildings to rock. In some instances windows were broken and ornaments thrown off the shelves, and in a few cases the plaster fell from the walls. Some of the goods on the top shelves in Mr. W. H. Pascoe’s establishment were thrown to the floor, whilst the goods hanging from the roof acted as if disturbed by a violent gale. Two watertanks were burst, and another one a great deal shifted. A few of the ladies fainted, thus adding to the general commotion, which did not altogether
subside till evening.
Lucindale
Some people at Lucindale were thrown off their feet. Mr. Hall, the local storekeeper, was the greatest sufferer, as scores of bottles, &c., fell from the shelves and were smashed. Mr. Hall’s residence at Bloomfield Park, eight miles from Lucindale, was badly damaged; several chimneys were destroyed and the walls cracked, the crevices being very wide in places.
Millicent
A great deal of damage was done to several houses at Millicent. Walls were cracked, chimneys thrown down, and other damage done. The earthquake appeared to travel from west to east, and took Millicent fairly in its grasp. The Local Court was sitting at the time. When the room began to heave and rock and pieces of the ceiling to fall a rush was made for the street by the Bench, Bar, and public. As there was a pretty big crowd in the room the inevitable block took place, and a few persons were knocked down and trodden on. One man had his hand lacerated, and had to get it dressed by the chemist. There was another slight shock at 5 p.m.
Kingston
The landlord of the Kingston Arms Hotel, Kingston, writing to Mr. R. A. Stock, of the South Australian Brewing Company, on Tuesday stated that the shock of earthquake on Monday brought down all the chimneys and shattered the whole of his house. The roof was broken in places, and all the bedrooms were in such a condition that it was not safe to sleep in them. The wall of the kitchen had been cracked and the ceiling had fallen in. The damage in the barroom had been considerable. All the bottles had fallen from the shelves, and the tap of the beer cask had been shaken out, with the result that all the liquor was lost. The proprietor of one of the other hotels had erected a tent in an adjoining paddock owing to his house being unsafe. The third hotel was also in a precarious condition, and the family belonging to it were living in an outside room.
A correspondent, writing from Narracoorte on May 13, sends us a sample of “sand” which he saw forced up by watervents or jets, especially on the rises, during the earthquake last Monday. He remarks:—”What I saw was forced principally through a macadamised road; but I am credibly informed that tons of the same material have been sent up from the rise of the range that runs along Biscuit Flat. I incline to the opinion that it is disintegrated seashells, whilst others think it is pumice.
” In reference to my telegram sent yesterday from Kingston, it appears in The Register as having been sent from Robe, whence I had come. This is rather unfortunate, inasmuch as the continuous shocks, varying from seven to forty minutes interval, were experienced at Kingston, whilst I understand that few, if any, occurred at Robe. But at Kingston they, by their frequency, caused the bulk of the inhabitants to remain up most of the night. Many of the children refused to be undressed, and were allowed to rest ready for immediate removal—fully equipped, even to boots and socks. “Very few, indeed, remained in a stone building, but either camped out or were taken in by a neighbour possessing any kind of wooden structure. I know of one room, about 10 x 10, which sheltered thirteen souls both on Monday and Tuesday nights.
Robe
” The scene at Robe and Kingston cannot be imagined by absentees. That at Robe during the shock beggars description. The New Zealanders engaged at the Preserving Works there say ‘ We never experienced a shock like it in New Zealand.’ These shocks continued also during Tuesday at Kingston. I noted them at about 6.30 and 8.45 a.m., and 12.30, 5.30, 8.20, 10.15, and 11.45 p.m. We shall be glad to get a rest to-night, if possible. Many of us have not had our clothes off since Sunday night, and have also been compelled to accept the hospitality and shelter of friends, whom may God bless for their kindness, the hotels being quite unsafe, and must, it is generally conceded, tumble to the ground should another severe shock occur. Regular lodgers have sought shelter in railway carriages and elsewhere.
“I should mention that at Kingston the telegraph operators, using a long coil of wire, carried on operations during Monday in the open air, the tremors making the building apparently unsafe.”
KINGSTON, Thursday.
Some of the alarm caused by the earthquake has passed off. Altogether over eighty shocks have been experienced. All, however, have been very slight in comparison with the first one. Every one was preparing comfortably for rest at 11 o’clock last night, when a very distinct shock made sleep somewhat difficult. Some of the residents walked the streets all night. At Salt Creek and some outstations they had a bad shock, and it was thought the water was rising, but fortunately such is not the case. Several nice showers which have fallen have refreshed the air and ground.
Effects in Victoria and NSW
Portland Guardian (Vic. : 1876 – 1953), Wednesday 12 May 1897, page 3
Earth Tremor at Portland. A minute or so after we had gone to press with our Monday’s issue this town was visited by a disturbance hitherto unknown both to the town and district, and which created considerable consternation and alarm to a great many. Without the slightest warning, about 3.26 p.m. on Monday, a gentle movement was experienced, which quickened rapidly till the motion was of such a nature as to demand attention from its strangeness. To by far the majority of our residents an earth tremor or earth-quake, was utterly unknown, and naturally for a few moments the strange moving or trembling sensation could scarcely be realised, but the continuance forced the reality upon residents that Portland, for the first time in the history of the colony, was being visited by an earth tremor. The visitation came at an hour when people were in a position to consider the matter amid surrounding of a reassuring nature, but had it been at night, particularly after the retiring hour, we fear the event would have created a good deal more surprise. As already stated the movement at first was of a gentle nature, but it soon became somewhat violent, causing doors and windows to shake, while articles hanging on walls and partitions of houses were oscillating in a manner that would, under more pleasant conditions, be deemed highly amusing. Not only did light articles of furniture assume a lifelike appearance but even heavy desks, tables, chest of drawers beds, and such like necessaries visibly shake, in some instances causing the occupants of rooms a great deal of alarm, while bells were set ringing. Before the tremor had passed away residents were out in the street in great numbers. Some were impelled by an unknown fear to flee to the open for safety, fearing a collapse of the tenement occupied, while others rushed forth to learn if the next door neighbour had felt the unusual sensation, and learn what it was. Those who happened to be in the streets at the time had peculiar sensations. One in-forms us that while walking along he appeared to be seized with a most remarkable sensation in the legs, and feared he was about to be the victim of some strange affliction. Casting a glance at one of the shop windows a further shock was experienced, for many of the articles on view, those hanging in particular, appeared to be dancing before his staring eyes, and to such an extent that he feared his mind was becoming affected also. He was not long in doubt, however, as he soon found others were companions in trouble, and the peculiar sensation was explained. It is related of one man busy at the desk becoming so startled as to rush out to see what had fallen to cause the general shaking, Those using the pen at the time appear to have felt the tremor the most, and some novel opinions as to what was the cause of the shaking at the time are given, one clerk even accusing a fellow employee of annoying him So far as we can learn the movement appeared to be travelling in a westerly direction, and appears to have been felt very generally throughout Portland proper, and as far south as Cape Nelson Lighthouse station, where the tremor was said to be severe. No damage to property is reported, and save the excitement and scare to many at the time the strange visitation passed away. The weather at the time was fine with but a light wind from the north.
Australasian (Melbourne, Vic. : 1864 – 1946), Saturday 15 May 1897, page 35
EXTENSIVE EARTH TREMOR.
A considerable part of Victoria and South Australia got a shaking on Monday afternoon. The centre of the disturbance seems to have been Mount Gambier, a long extinct volcano. Waves or pulsations spread westward to Adelaide and east-ward to Melbourne, as well as northwards across the mallee into Riverina. They were felt at Menindie (on the Darling), and at Balranald. The tremor was scarcely noticed in Melbourne, owing to the noise of traffic, but movements were recorded by instruments at the Observatory. At a good many places the ground rocked perceptibly. Nearly every township in Western Victoria, and all the settlements in the mallee, sent word to town that the earthquake had been distinctly felt.
Some brief notes are supplied by Mr. Baracchi, Government astronomer:—Along the South Australian border the times given in the different townships vary from 25 to 27 minutes past 3, while at the meridian of Melbourne the times were 25 minutes to 4. The earth-quake was felt in Adelaide between 3 and 4 o’clock, and it appears to have swept across the south-western portion of that colony in-to Victoria, expending itself as it travelled. Though none of the officials at the Observatory felt the slightest shock, a tele-phonic message was received at a quarter to 4 p.m. from Mr. Pallin, of the Lormer-street timber-yard, South Melbourne, stat-ing that he had distinctly felt a tremor of the earth about 10 minutes before. The seismograph in the Observatory was consulted, and all three indicators were found to have distinctly registered a disturbance at 25 minutes to 4 p.m. These indicators respectively show the north and south, the east and west, and the Vertical directions of any shock, and, though all three were affected, the east and west point has made the most striking impression. That the earthquake has left no evil results behind here is proved by the fact that the most delicately adjusted instruments of the Observatory show not the slightest permanent deviation. Reports from places at which exceptional shocks were felt are subjoined:
BALLARAT.—A distinct earth tremor, the main force of which was extended in an easterly and westerly direction, was felt throughout Ballarat for a space of five or six seconds. The disturbance was the most severe experienced here since October, 1855. Many people were affected by a slight feeling of giddiness, accompanied by nausea, akin to the first symptoms of sea sick-ness. The shock was first felt at 25 minutes past 3, and it was so violent that at several city establishments the employees ran out of doors in a body for fear of the walls collapsing. In numerous instances windows were smashed and walls strained, and in Ballarat East, where it was at first thought to be due to a heavy subsidence of earth, houses and chimneys were thrown out of plumb. At the City-hall, in the Commercial Club, and in the public offices among other places the vibration temporarily displaced fittings and office furniture, caused pictures, &c., to swing from side to side, and even bells to ring.
ECHUCA.—At 25 minutes past 3 on Monday a shock of earthquake, lasting about 10sec.,
startled the residents of Echuca. The shock was felt at Moama, Echuca, and several surrounding localities, and appeared to travel from north-east to south-west. In almost every shop in Echuca the shock was felt, and people were affected with a dizzy sensation. Some residents imagined that their houses were collapsing, as anything suspended was violently agitated there. No damage was done.
HORSHAM.—Three severe shocks were experienced at 25 minutes past 3 on Monday. The utmost consternation prevailed, people running out of their shops and houses into the streets in wild terror. In the state school the children were terrified, and one female teacher almost fainted. In the shops the goods on the shelves were ob-served to oscillate, and afterwards were found to have been removed from their places.
NATIMUK.—An earthquake, which lasted fully half a minute, was felt at half-past 3 o’clock on Monday. The goods on some of the selves in the local stores were hurled to the ground, and in song private residences heavy pianos which were standing against the walls were moved.
The Earthquakes, a chronological list excluding Kingston aftershocks (cont.)
1897 06 18 at 14:30 UTC, A single large earthquake off the Coorong
Advertiser (Adelaide, SA : 1889 – 1931), Wednesday 23 June 1897, page 3
MISCELLANEOUS.
HOG BAY, June 21. — A sharp shock of earthquake was felt here on Friday night at about 12 o’clock. The rumbling seemed to be travelling from south-west to north-east. Windows and tinware rattled for fully a minute [Hog Bay is now known as Penneshaw].
South Australian Register (Adelaide, SA : 1839 – 1900), Monday 21 June 1897, page 5
FURTHER EARTH TREMORS.
KINGSTON, Saturday.
A shock of earthquake at 7.48 last night was followed by a severe one at 12.15 this morning, lasting nearly a minute. The first tremor continued for a few seconds. As to the second, it seemed as if the shock of May 10 was about to be repeated, but after causing a considerable scare the tremor died away without doing any noticeable damage.
Adelaide Observer (SA : 1843 – 1904), Saturday 28 August 1897, page 7
KINGSTON, Saturday.
Several earth tremors have occurred during the past week, which, perhaps, would be more aptly described as earth rumbles, for little or no vibration has accompanied the phenomena. They seem to have all come from the sea.
LUCINDALE, Monday.
Earthquakes have not quite left us, for two shocks were distinctly noticed last week, but they were slight, and the noise they made was really the only indication of the fact that an earthquake shock was experienced.
1897 09 10 at 18:44 UTC, Flinders Ranges National Park
Advertiser (Adelaide, SA : 1889 – 1931), Tuesday 14 September 1897, page 4
EARTHQUAKE SHOCK IN THE NORTH.
Sir Charles Todd on Monday received from the post and telegraph master at Blinman a report stating: “Strong shock earthquake here this morning at 4.11; shook building, &c.; loud noise like heavy thunder ; travelling south-west to north-east. Duration about 15 seconds. Weather bright and calm.” The postmaster at Beltana also wired:—”Slight shock of earthquake felt here at 12 minutes past 4 this morning lasting about 15 seconds, accompanied by rumbling sound which could be distinctly heard for several seconds after tremor ceased. Appeared to be travelling from north to south.”
Port Augusta Dispatch, Newcastle and Flinders Chronicle (SA : 1885 – 1916), Friday 17 September 1897, page 3
PARACHILNA.
WEDNESDAY. September 15th.
Last Saturday at 4 o’clock a.m., the residents of Parachilna were alarmed by a severe shock of earthquake which lasted 14 seconds, and it appeared to be travelling east and west. In some of the houses the crockery and bottles, were almost shaken from the shelves.
South Australian Register (Adelaide, SA : 1839 – 1900), Wednesday 15 September 1897, page 5
EDIOWIE, Monday. There were two sharp shocks of earthquake here on Saturday.
WIRRIALPA STATION, via Blinman, ‘Saturday. At 4.9 a.m. to-day a severe earthshock was felt here, travelling from west to east. The iron on the roof of the house rattled, and articles on the table appeared to dance.
South Australian Register (Adelaide, SA : 1839 – 1900), Tuesday 14 September 1897, page 5
The Post and Telegraph Master at Blinman reports— ‘Strong shock earthquake here this morning at 4.11 ; shook building, &c. Loud noise like heavy thunder, travelling north-west to south-east. Duration, about 15 seconds. Weather bright and calm. The Post and Telegraph Master at Beltana reports—’ Slight shock of earthquake felt here at 4.12 this morning, lasting about 15 seconds, accompanied by rumbling sound which could be distinctly heard for several seconds after tremour ceased. Appeared to be travelling from north to south. The shock was also felt at Hawker.
South Australian Register (Adelaide, SA : 1839 – 1900), Wednesday 15 September 1897, page 7
WILSON, Monday. A shock of earthquake was felt throughout the district at about 4 o’clock on Saturday morning. Many persons were awakened by the violent shaking of the windows, which lasted for several seconds. PORT AUGUSTA, On Saturday morning a slight shock of earthquake was felt.
HAWKER. An earthquake shock was felt on Saturday morning between 4 and 5 o’clock.
Figure 17 Felt area of the Flinders Ranges National Park earthquake at about 4am on Saturday morning 11 September 1897 CST.
1897 09 18 at 22:23 UTC, Wirrabara
Laura Standard (SA : 1889 – 1917), Friday 24 September 1897, page 3
WIRRABARA.
September 20, 1897
A slight shock of earthquake was felt here at 7.53 Sunday morning.
1897 09 26 at 17:58 UTC, Booleroo Centre
Evening Journal (Adelaide, SA : 1869 – 1912), Monday 27 September 1897, page 2
Another Earthquake.
BOOLEROO CENTRE, Monday.
A strong shock of earthquake was felt here at about twenty-eight minutes past 3 this morning. The length of duration was fully half a minute. Apparently the tremour was travelling from north-east to south-west. It rattled windows and crockery in the stone buildings. There was also thunder during the night, with showers of rain.
1897 10 22 time? Leigh’s Creek
Northern Argus (Clare, SA : 1869 – 1954), Friday 29 October 1897, page 3
A shock of earthquake has been felt at Leigh’s Creek.
Evening Journal (Adelaide, SA : 1869 – 1912), Monday 25 October 1897, page 2
EARTHQUAKE AT LEIGH’S CREEK. — The Postmaster-General, Sir Charles Todd, has informed us that on Saturday he received the following message from the telegraph operator at Leigh’s Creek:—”Shock of earthquake, accompanied by low rumbling noise, was felt here this morning.”
1897 11 02 at 10:35 UTC, Oakbank
Express and Telegraph (Adelaide, SA : 1867 – 1922), Wednesday 3 November 1897, page 2
SHOCK OF EARTHQUAKE.
Nairne, November 3.
A shock of earthquake was felt here last night at five minutes past 8 o’clock. It was travelling in a north-easterly direction. The iron on the roofs rattled and a rumbling noise accompanied the earth movement. The weather was calm.
Figure 18 Felt area of a small earthquake near Oakbank just after 8pm on Tuesday night, 2 November 1897 CST.
Express and Telegraph (Adelaide, SA : 1867 – 1922), Thursday 4 November 1897, page 4
EARTHQUAKE SHOCK.
Woodside, November 2.
A slight shock of earthquake was felt here to-night at a few minutes past 8 o’clock. It was of very short duration, but the earth tremor was distinctly felt, and it appeared to be travelling in the same direction as the earthquake which occurred on May 10 of this year and occasioned so much excitement; that is, from north-west to south-east. The sound, as before, resembled the rolling of a large tank or the carting of a heavy boiler along the road, ……The sky was perfectly cloudless and the weather dead calm.
Adelaide Observer (SA : 1843 – 1904), Saturday 6 November 1897, page 22
BASKET RANGE, Wednesday.
About 8 o’clock last night a shock of earthquake was felt.
HAHNDORF, Tuesday.
About 8.30 this evening a slight shock of earthquake was felt.
1897 11 08 at 03:15 UTC, Eudunda
South Australian Register (Adelaide, SA : 1839 – 1900), Tuesday 9 November 1897, page 5
A SHOCK OF EARTHQUAKE.
EUDUNDA, Monday.
A rather sudden shock of earthquake occurred here at 12.44 p.m. A loud crackling report without any preceding rumble lasted about six seconds, sound apparently travelling from south-west to north-east. The buildings shook and the crockery rattled, but no damage was done. The Postmaster-General sent to us the following memorandum on Monday:— ” Kapunda and Eudunda report slight shock of earthquake.”
Adelaide Observer (SA : 1843 – 1904), Saturday 13 November 1897, page 26
TRURO, Tuesday.
A slight shock of an earthquake was felt here yesterday at about 12.45 p.m. The sound resembled the rumbling of a loaded wagon passing along, and a distinct vibration was felt by many persons. The direction was apparently from south-west to north-east.
1897 11 06 at 11:00 and 11:30 UTC, Nangkita
Adelaide Observer (SA : 1843 – 1904), Saturday 13 November 1897, page 10
A SHOCK OF EARTHQUAKE.
NANGKITA, Monday.
On Saturday evening at 8.30 and again about 9 o’clock a rumbling noise, lasting on each occasion about 20 sec., with a slight earth-tremor, occurred here, but no damage was done. Several times lately we have heard rumbling noises resembling distant thunder, but there have been no tremors.
1897 11 29 at 20:25 UTC, Swan Reach on the Murray
Advertiser (Adelaide, SA : 1889 – 1931), Tuesday 30 November 1897, page 5
The post and telegraph master at Murray Bridge has reported to the Postmaster-General (Sir C. Todd) as follows:—”Slight shock of earthquake, was felt here this morning about 6 o’clock ; shook windows.”
Figure 19 Felt area of a small earthquake on 30 November 1897 at about 6am CST.
South Australian Register (Adelaide, SA : 1839 – 1900), Tuesday 14 December 1897, page 5
MOUNT PLEASANT, Thursday. A slight shock of earthquake was felt here on the 29th ult. at about fire minutes to 6 in the morning.
Chronicle (Adelaide, SA : 1895 – 1954), Saturday 4 December 1897, page 12
On Monday the post and telegraph master at Murray Bridge reported to the Postmaster General (Sir C. Todd) as follows:— “Slight shock of earthquake was felt here this morning about 6 o’clock ; shook windows.”
South Australian Register (Adelaide, SA : 1839 – 1900), Tuesday 14 December 1897, page 5
NEW RESIDENCE, Thursday. We are now having a cool spell, but last week the weather was very hot for a few days. A slight shock of earthquake was felt here on the 29th ult. at about five minutes to 6 in the morning.
1897 12 12 time?, Wolseley near Bordertown
Chronicle (Adelaide, SA : 1895 – 1954), Saturday 18 December 1897, page 7
WOLSELEY, December 13. A slight shock of earthquake was felt in the district on Friday morning.
Just days before the large earthquake offshore Beachport in South Australia a meeting of the Astronomical Section of the Royal Society at Adelaide Observatory discussed Milne’s suggestion for the South Australian Government to instal seismographs at Adelaide, Alice Springs and Darwin. The value mentioned was for international science, it was not mentioned that the equipment was virtually useless for helping monitor Australian earthquakes. The proposal didn’t happen for another 12 years in Adelaide and another 70 years for the other two sites by which time Alice Springs and Darwin were no longer in South Australia.
Adelaide Observer (SA : 1843 – 1904), Saturday 17 April 1897, page 16
ASTRONOMICAL SECTION OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY.
A meeting of the Astronomical Section of the Royal Society was held at the Observatory on Tuesday evening. ….Sir Charles also read a letter received from Professor Milne, suggesting that the South Australian Government be recommended to erect seismometer stations at Adelaide, Port Darwin, and Alice Springs, for the purpose of recording earthquake shocks. The initial outlay wonld be only nominal, but the information given would be of the utmost value.
Aftershocks of the Kingston Earthquake
There were 9 aftershocks before the first notable aftershock was felt at Kingston, Robe, Lucindale, Narracoorte and Frances at 5pm local time on 10th. The next day Tuesday, they were noted at Kingston at about 6.30 and 8.45 a.m., and 12.30, 5.30, 8.20, 10.15, and 11.45 p.m. Eighty to hundred aftershocks from 10 to 13 May were reported felt in Kingston (Evening Journal (Adelaide, SA : 1869 – 1912), Monday 17 May 1897, page 2) and 150 were felt in the first month [South Australian Register (Adelaide, SA : 1839 – 1900), Wednesday 9 June 1897, p 4], several hundred to September. The sequence lasted several years, a very late aftershock occurred offshore Robe on 6 August 1948, its magnitude 4.8.
For an offshore Kingston earthquake to be felt at Mt Gambier it would have to be about magnitude 5 or more; to be felt at both Kingston and Robe but no further, magnitude 3.5 or more.
1897 05 10 at 07:30 UTC Kingston
Narracoorte Herald (SA : 1875 – 1954), Tuesday 11 May 1897, page 2
Frances, May 10.
A severe shock of earthquake was felt here about half-past 2 o’clock to-day. It did considerable damage inside Mr. Brown’s store, damaging a large quantity of crockery and other goods which were shook off the shelves. The chimney of his residence also fell down. The shock seemed to travel from north to south, and lasted about half a minute. About 5 o’clock another slight tremor passed along.
Figure 20 Felt area of the first widely reported aftershock, a slight tremor by comparison with the earlier mainshock, at 5pm CST on 10 May 1897. The apparent onshore location my not be correct.
1897 05 12 at 13:30 UTC, Kingston
Evening Journal (Adelaide, SA : 1869 – 1912), Friday 14 May 1897, page 3
OVER EIGHTY SHOCKS AT KINGSTON.
KINGSTON, Thursday.
Some of the alarm caused by the earthquake has passed off. Altogether over eighty shocks have been experienced. All, however, have been very slight in comparison with the first one. Every one was preparing comfortably for rest at 11 o’clock last night, when a very distinct shock made sleep somewhat difficult. Some of the residents walked the streets all night. At Salt Creek and some outstations they had a bad shock, and it was thought the water was rising, but fortunately such is not the case.
1897 05 14 at 16:30 UTC, Kingston
South Australian Register (Adelaide, SA : 1839 – 1900), Monday 17 May 1897, page 5
THE EARTHQUAKES.
MORE SHOCKS IN THE SOUTHEAST. SEVERE TREMOR AT KINGSTON.
KINGSTON, Sunday night. A severe shock of earthquake was experienced at 2 a.m. on Saturday. Since then there have been occasional tremors, gradually diminishing in force. MOUNT GAMBIER, Sunday night. No shocks have been felt here since Monday last.
1897 05 18 at 00:45 UTC, Kingston
South Australian Register (Adelaide, SA : 1839 – 1900), Wednesday 19 May 1897, page 7
THE EARTHQUAKES.
THE DAMAGE IN THE SOUTH-EAST. FOUR SHOCKS AT KINGSTON.
KINGSTON, Tuesday.
Four shocks were experienced to-day. They were, however, rather slight in character. The people still refuse to sleep in the stone buildings, and families are living in tents and iron sheds.
KINGSTON, Tuesday Evening. Only one shock was felt to-day, and that occurred at 10.15 a.m. The vibration was fairly severe, causing windows and doors to rattle and floors to tremble perceptibly.
LUCINDALE, Monday. Several light tremors have been felt here during the week.
1897 05 18 at 17:25 UTC, Kingston
1897 05 19 at 03:50 UTC, Kingston
South Australian Register (Adelaide, SA : 1839 – 1900), Thursday 20 May 1897, page 5
THE EARTHQUAKE.
FIVE MORE SHOCKS AT KINGSTON. SOME INTERESTING NOTES. KINGSTON, Wednesday.
One of the severest of the minor shocks of earthquake experienced here occurred at 2.55 this morning. It was different from the preceding ones, in that its approach was heralded by a rumbling sound, which continued long after the tremor ceased. Houses shook considerably, but no damage was done. Some articles in the houses were overturned.
Naturally the shock produced a very disquieting effect amongst the residents, After a lull, four other shocks followed within an hour.
KINGSTON, Wednesday evening. Nine shocks were felt to-day, but all were slight, except those at 2.57 a.m. and 1.20 p.m., which caused considerable vibration. The tremors seem to be travelling much more slowly. It is a dead calm to-night, but calmness seems ominous, as before each of the severe shocks the condition was noticeable.
1897 05 23 night time, Lucindale
1897 05 24 night time, Lucindale
South Australian Register (Adelaide, SA : 1839 – 1900), Thursday 27 May 1897, page 5
EARTH TREMORS.
LUCINDALE, MONDAY.
Earthquakes are still being felt both day and night, but at longer intervals. During the last two nights a distinct shock was felt at the same time in different parts of the township. The latter one was the more severe, causing the walls to vibrate
1897 05 28 at 12:05 UTC, Kingston/Robe
1897 05 28 at 14:00 UTC, Robe
Express and Telegraph (Adelaide, SA : 1867 – 1922), Monday 31 May 1897, page 2
EARTH SHOCKS IN THE SOUTH-EAST.
The keepers at the Cape Jaffa lighthouse are still being troubled with shocks of earthquake, and the position is most threatening.
On Saturday the President of the Marine Board received a telegram asking for two tents to be sent to them as the cottages at the station were unsafe to sleep in. The tents were forwarded in due course. The continued severity of the shocks in the vicinity of the lighthouse, which appear to be at about the centre of the disturbance, is giving rise to the fear that something more serious may follow. On Saturday our Kingston correspondent wired:— “A considerable earth tremor, accompanied by a loud rumbling noise, was experienced here last night at thirty-five minutes past 9 o’clock. The residents are greatly alarmed and some are contemplating
leaving the district for a time.” The following telegram from Robe also came to hand:—” Two shocks of earthquake were felt last night. There was a severe one at 9.30, and a slighter one at about midnight. They came as a surprise after several days having passed without any thing of the kind and caused considerable alarm.
1897 06 01 at 09:25 UTC, Robe
KINGSTON, Tuesday.
Several tremors occurred to-day, and a rather severe shock occurred at 6.53 p.m., lasting fully half a minute. The houses rocked with the vibration ; windows, doors, and furniture rattled in a disturbing manner. This is the most intense shock since May 10. People ran out of all the buildings, and there was a general scare. No damage is reported. Much anxiety has been caused through the long continuance of these disturbances.
BEACHPORT, Tuesday.
The most severe tremor witnessed since May 10 we had this evening at five minutes to 7. The buildings received a good shaking.
LUCINDALE, Tuesday.
The weather all day was strange and unusual, and as the evening showed so phenomenal a sky the people began to wonder if another earthquake was about to visit us. Indeed the day was very much like the dreaded May 10. Anticipations were realized, for at 6.56 p.m., just as most people were finishing their tea, a distinct tremor occurred, and lasted for between ten to fifteen seconds. It caused the houses to tremble and things on the shelves to move. Although not as severe as the one of May 10, it was nevertheless quite strong enough to cause a rapid move from the tea-table. The earthquake appeared to travel from the north-west, and was preceded and accompanied by a distinct rumble far louder than the proverbial horse-and-cart rattle. Another very slight shock was felt at 7.15 p.m., and a third one during the afternoon. Several people have counted no fewer than five shocks during to day.
South Australian Register (Adelaide, SA : 1839 – 1900), Wednesday 2 June 1897, page 5
FURTHER EARTH TREMORS.
A “GENERAL SCARE” BEACHPORT, Tuesday.
The most severe tremor witnessed since May 10 we had this evening at five minutes to 7. The buildings received a good shaking.
KINGSTON, Tuesday.
Several tremors occurred to-day, and a rather severe shock occurred at 6.50 p.m., lasting fully half a minute. The houses rocked with the vibration : windows, doors, and furniture rattled in a disturbing manner. This is the most intense shock since May 10. People ran out of all the buildings, and there was a general scare. No damage is reported. Much anxiety has been caused through the long continuance of these disturbances.
South Australian Register (Adelaide, SA : 1839 – 1900), Tuesday 8 June 1897, page 7
NARRACOORTE, June 4.
Since the severe earthquake shock experienced here on May 10 many of the residents have stated that they have at different times felt light earth tremors, but the rumours have never been verified. However, during the week we have had two rather severe shocks, which have been felt by nearly every one. The first shock occurred at five minutes to 7 on Tuesday evening. There was first a rumbling noise, and then a tremor, which shook articles in the houses. It only lasted a few seconds, and no damage is reported. On Thursday evening at 10.30 o’clock a more severe shock was felt. It was preceded by a rumbling noise, and windows and doors of houses shook and rattled. Some of the residents were somewhat startled. No damage is reported to have taken place.
Millicent Times (SA : 1891 – 1905), Saturday 5 June 1897, page 3
ROBE.
June 2.
The severest earth tremor since that never-to-be-forgotten 10th of May, the date of the first heavy earthquake, was felt here last evening (Tuesday). A few minutes before seven o’clock houses trembled violently for a few seconds, to say nothing about crockery and such like. It is quite possible your town also felt the tremor. Most of the wrecked chimneys are now repaired in and around the town, and in the space of a few weeks the bulk of repairs to damaged houses will be effected as there are no less than five masons busy at work. Of course some damage will be left as a memorial of close-fisted owners and the monster earthquake.
Chronicle (Adelaide, SA : 1895 – 1954), Saturday 5 June 1897, page 10
The keepers at the Cape Jaffa lighthouse have again been troubled with shocks of earthquake. On Saturday the President of the Marine Board received a telegram asking for two tents to be sent to them as the cottages at the station were unsafe to sleep in. The tents were forwarded in due course. The continued severity of the shocks in the vicinity of the lighthouse, which appear to be at about the centre of the disturbance, is giving rise to the fear that something more serious may follow. On Saturday our Kingston correspondent wired : — “A considerable earth tremor, accompanied by a loud rumbling noise, was experienced here last night at thirty-five minutes past 9 o’clock. The residents are greatly alarmed, and some are contemplating leaving the district for a time.” The following telegram from Robe also came to hand: — ‘Two shocks of earthquake were felt last night. There was a severe one at 9.30, and a slighter one at about midnight. They came as a surprise after several days having passed without anything of the kind and caused considerable alarm.
1897 06 04 at 12:05 UTC, Kingston (time probably incorrect – 10:35 not 9:35pm ie 13:05 UTC)
KINGSTON, Friday.
There have, been several minor shocks each day, but to-night at 9.35 we had to submit to the most severe tremor since May 10. It came suddenly, and the buildings received a good shaking. Lately the rumbles have sounded distant, but to-night’s experience was rather disquieting.
Advertiser (Adelaide, SA : 1889 – 1931), Wednesday 9 June 1897, page 5
EARTHQUAKE SHOCKS.
Millicent, June 5.
We experienced another earthquake shock at 10:30 on Thursday night, and though it was nothing like as severe as that of May 10 it was felt and heard by most of the residents. It
happened to be travelling in the same direction, west to east and lasted about five seconds. I understand it was pretty generally felt in the district. Masons have been very busy since the first shock repairing the damage done to chimneys.
Adelaide Observer (SA : 1843 – 1904), Saturday 5 June 1897, page 31
THE EARTHQUAKE.
Professor Bragg and Sir Charles Todd have received, in reply to their Appeal published in The Observer a week or two ago, a large mass of information concerning the severe earthquake which was felt through South Australia on Monday, May 10. They have, however, not yet had time to begin the task of classifying and analysing the material supplied.
1897 06 04 at 13:00 UTC , Robe/Beachport
1897 06 04 at 18:00 UTC, Narracoorte/Mt Gambier
1897 06 05 at 11:00 UTC, Mt Gambier
South Australian Register (Adelaide, SA : 1839 – 1900), Saturday 5 June 1897, page 6
ANOTHER EARTHSHOCK.
KINGSTON, Friday
A very severe earthquake was felt here at 10.30 last night ; but beyond falling plaster no damage is reported. The town is much disturbed. The duration of the shock was thirty
seconds, and its direction south-east to north-west.
MOUNT GAMBIER, Friday. A number of persons here and in the country state that last night between 20 and 30 minutes past 10 they felt a slight shock of earthquake. It must have been very slight, as the great majority did not observe it at all.
Advertiser (Adelaide, SA : 1889 – 1931), Wednesday 9 June 1897, page 5
EARTHQUAKE SHOCKS.
Millicent, June 5.
We experienced another earthquake shock at 10:30 on Thursday night, and though it was nothing like as severe as that of May 10 it was felt and heard by most of the residents. It
happened to be travelling in the same direction, west to east and lasted about five seconds. I understand it was pretty generally felt in the district. Masons have been very busy since the first shock repairing the damage done to chimneys.
Border Watch (Mount Gambier, SA : 1861 – 1954), Wednesday 9 June 1897, page 3
NARRACOORTE.
June 7.
It seems as if we have not got through the earthquake shocks yet, for during the week we have experienced no less than two distinct tremors. The first occurred on Tuesday evening at five minutes to seven, and was felt by most of the residents. A subterranean thunder-like noise preceded the shock, and then the houses shook and the contents were shaken. On Thursday evening about 10.30 o’clock we felt the severest tremor that has occurred since the great shock of May 10. A rumbling noise was first heard, and then everything shook. The “quake” only lasted for a few seconds. No damage is reported to have resulted from either of the shocks.
Narracoorte Herald (SA : 1875 – 1954), Friday 11 June 1897, page 2
LUCINDALE.
June 9.
Two more earthquakes, one on Thursday evening at 10.30 and another on Friday morning at 3. 45 a.m., have given us a fright, and as much of a one as that on Tuesday did.
South Australian Register (Adelaide, SA : 1839 – 1900), Friday 11 June 1897, page 7
THE COUNTRY.
MOUNT GAMBIER, June 8.
It is reported by several people here that they felt earth-tremors at about 12.30 and 3.30 on Saturday morning and again at 8.30 on Saturday night. The reports have not been verified.
Millicent Times (SA : 1891 – 1905), Saturday 12 June 1897, page 3
June 9.
The expert promised by the government to be sent down here to report upon the condition of the public buildings, has not shown up yet. Perhaps he is waiting, till, the earth tremors cease, which will be some time yet judging by the number per week that we participate in. The last one felt was Sunday evening about half-past five, but it was very light. The Times considers Cape Jaffa lighthouse near the seat of the late earthquake, and judging by the look of the land in the vicinity the assertion does not seem far off. I saw one of the blowholes between Cape Jaffa and Mount Benson which measured 12ft. across the top and about 9ft. down was water, the depth of which I did not measure, having no means at hand.
1897 06 18 at 14:30 UTC, A single moderate earthquake off the Coorong
Advertiser (Adelaide, SA : 1889 – 1931), Wednesday 23 June 1897, page 3
Figure 21 Felt area of the offshore earthquake on 19 June 1897 at 12:15am CST
HOG BAY, June 21. — A sharp shock of earthquake was felt here on Friday night at about 12 o’clock. The rumbling seemed to be travelling from south-west to north-east. Windows and tinware rattled for fully a minute [Hog Bay is now known as Penneshaw].
South Australian Register (Adelaide, SA : 1839 – 1900), Monday 21 June 1897, page 5
FURTHER EARTH TREMORS.
KINGSTON, Saturday.
A shock of earthquake at 7.48 last night was followed by a severe one at 12.15 this morning, lasting nearly a minute. The first tremor continued for a few seconds. As to the second, it seemed as if the shock of May 10 was about to be repeated, but after causing a considerable scare the tremor died away without doing any noticeable damage.
Border Watch (Mount Gambier, SA : 1861 – 1954), Saturday 26 June 1897, page 4
NARRACOORTE.
June 21.
We had a slight earth tremor here about a quarter past 12 on Friday night, which was distinctly felt by many of the residents, although “your own” was slumbering soundly. Many state that there were other light tremors during the night.
1897 06 29 at 18:30 UTC, Robe
Express and Telegraph (Adelaide, SA : 1867 – 1922), Wednesday 30 June 1897, page 2
ANOTHER EARTHQUAKE SHOCK.
The Postmaster-General received the following telegram from the postmaster at Robe on Wednesday morning:—” Sharp jerking shock at 4 a.m., preceded by deep rumble, shaking doors, windows &c. Appeared to come from southward.”
Advertiser (Adelaide, SA : 1889 – 1931), Saturday 3 July 1897, page 6
THE SOUTH-EAST.
MILLICENT, June 30.—A most distinct shock of earthquake was felt here this morning at about 4 o’clock by a number of people. I have made enquiries and find it was also felt in
Mount Gambier.
Border Watch (Mount Gambier, SA : 1861 – 1954), Saturday 10 July 1897, page 4
Earthquake Tremors.—We have had one or two earth tremors during the week. About four o’clock on Wednesday morning many residents in Narracoorte felt a shock which made the doors and windows of the houses rattle. Some of the inhabitants state that they felt another shock between one and two o’clock on Thursday.
Narracoorte Herald (SA : 1875 – 1954), Friday 2 July 1897, page 2
LUCINDALE.
July 5.
Earthquakes are still shaking us up. We have had several pretty severe tremors, but that which occurred on Wednesday at 4 a.m. was about the severest of late.
1897 07 08 at 20:30 UTC, Kingston
South Australian Register (Adelaide, SA : 1839 – 1900), Wednesday 14 July 1897, page 5
KINGSTON, Friday. The earth-tremors have almost ceased, a slight one this morning, at about 6 o’clock being the first we have experienced for days.
1897 07 25 at 10:00 UTC, Kingston and Naracoorte
1897 07 28 at 13:30 UTC, Kingston and Naracoorte
Narracoorte Herald (SA : 1875 – 1954), Friday 30 July 1897, page 2
Earthquake Shocks. — Earthquake tremors still continue to be felt, and most people are wondering what will be the final outcome of all these earth disturbances. Between seven and eight o’clock on Sunday evening last several of our residents felt a slight tremor, accompanied with a peculiar rumbling noise. The church services were going on at the time and many of the worshippers were startled by the occurrence. On Wednesday evening several of the inhabitants state that they felt a slight tremor about 11 o’clock. A distant noise, which appeared to be deep down in the earth, was heard at the same time. The Kingston correspondent of the Register writing on Sunday, July 25, states:—”This evening the congregation in the churches were disturbed in their devotions by a rather severe earthshock. The buildings trembled, and there was a tendency to make a general exit. The trembling ceased, however, in time to prevent this occurring, and beyond standing in their seats, the congregation took things philosophically.
Adelaide Observer (SA : 1843 – 1904), Saturday 31 July 1897, page 28
More Earthquakes.—Our Kingston correspondent wrote on Sunday, July 25, as follows: ” This evening the congregations in the Churches were disturbed in their devotion by a rather severe earthshock. The buildings trembled, and there was a tendency to make a general exit. The trembling ceased, however, in time to prevent this occurring, and, beyond standing in their seats, the congregations took things philosophically, and as the service proceeded the uncomfortable feeling wore off.”
The Earthshocks at Kingston.—A resident at Kingston, writing to a friend in Adelaide on July 19, in speaking of the earth shocks, says:—”No tremors since the 4th inst. until 11 o’clock last night, when we had one, force 4, and another at 9 this morning, force 3. . . .
1897 08 ?? Kingston
South Australian Register (Adelaide, SA : 1839 – 1900), Wednesday 25 August 1897, page 7
KINGSTON, Saturday. Several earth tremors have occurred during the past week, which, perhaps, would be more aptly described as earth rumbles, for little or no vibration has accompanied the phenomena. They seem to have all come from the sea.
LUCINDALE. Monday. Earthquakes have not quite left us, for two shocks were distinctly noticed last week, but they were slight, and the noise they made was really the only indication of the fact that an earthquake shock was experienced.
Border Watch (Mount Gambier, SA : 1861 – 1954), Wednesday 15 September 1897, page 3
KINGSTON.
September 18.
There are still from time to time slight shocks of earthquake, which we have become so used to that they cause no alarm. Indeed, after having four mouths’ experience, during which time there have been several hundred shocks, it would be strange if much alarm was felt now at the occasional rumbles which take place at intervals.
1897 09 10 at 18:41 UTC, Lake Torrens
This was a substantial earthquake, magnitude 4.8, felt from Blinman to Port Augusta, 215km, if the epicentre was near Blinman where the intensity was highest. We have adopted an epicentre under Lake Torrens near Wintabatinyana some 60km SW of Blinman near the centre of the felt area.
Figure 24 Felt area of the September 10, 1897 earthquake near the Southeast shore of Lake Torrens.
Port Augusta Dispatch, Newcastle and Flinders Chronicle (SA : 1885 – 1916), Friday 17 September 1897, page 3
PARACHILNA.
WEDNESDAY. September 15th.
Last Saturday at 4 o’clock a.m., the residents of Parachilna were alarmed by a severe shock of earthquake which lasted 14 seconds, and it appeared to be travelling east and west. In some of the houses the crockery and bottles, were almost shaken from the shelves.
Advertiser (Adelaide, SA : 1889 – 1931), Tuesday 14 September 1897, page 4
EARTHQUAKE SHOCK IN THE NORTH.
Sir Charles Todd on Monday received from the post and telegraph master at Blinman a report stating:— “Strong shock earthquake here this morning at 4.11; shook building, &c.; loud noise like heavy thunder ; travelling south-west to north-east. Duration about 15 seconds. Weather bright and calm.” The postmaster at Beltana also wired:—”Slight shock of earthquake felt here at 12 minutes past 4 this morning lasting about 15 seconds, accompanied by rumbling sound which could be distinctly heard for several seconds after tremor ceased. Appeared to be travelling from north to south.”
Adelaide Observer (SA : 1843 – 1904), Saturday 18 September 1897, page 46
MORE EARTHQUAKES.
The Post and Telegraph Master at Blinman reports—”Strong shock earthquake here this morning at 4.11; shook building, &c. Loud noise like heavy thunder, travelling north-west to south-east. Duration, about 15 seconds. Weather bright and calm.”
The Post and Telegraph Master at Beltana reports—” Slight shock of earthquake felt here at 4.12 this morning, lasting about 15 seconds, accompanied by rumbling sound which could be distinctly heard for several seconds after tremour ceased. Appoared to be travelling from north to south.
The shock was also felt at Hawker.
BLINMAN, Saturday.
A very severe shock of earthquake was felt here at eloven minutes past 4 a.m.
WILSON, Monday.
A shock of earthquake was felt throughout the district at about 4 o’clock on Saturday morning. Many persons were awakened by the violent shaking of the windows, which lasted for several seconds.
South Australian Register (Adelaide, SA : 1839 – 1900), Wednesday 15 September 1897, page 7
PORT AUGUSTA, Monday. On Saturday morning a slight shock of earthquake was felt.
HAWKER, Monday. An earthquake shock was felt on Saturday morning between 4 and 5 o’clock.
EDIOWIE, Monday. There were two sharp shocks of earthquake here on Saturday.
1897 09 13 at ? time, Beltana, day incorrect?
Petersburg Times (SA : 1887 – 1919), Friday 17 September 1897, page 4
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 1897.
Earthquake. — A strong earthquake shock was reported at Beltana on Monday morning and occasioned some little consternation amongst the residents.
Border Watch (Mount Gambier, SA : 1861 – 1954), Wednesday 15 September 1897, page 3
KINGSTON. September 18.
There are still from time to time slight shocks of earthquake, which we have become so used to that they cause no alarm. Indeed, after having four mouths’ experience, during which time there have been several hundred shocks, it would be strange if much alarm was felt now at the occasional rumbles which take place at intervals.
Church of England services are still held in the Council Chamber, whilst church repairs are going on ; but it is expected that services will be resumed in the church on the 26th Inst. A few welcome subscriptions have, I am told, been received from friends in Adelaide, and others are expected. The total cost of making the necessary repairs will be between £70 and £80, and as the congregation has had to study the greatest economy to make both ends meet in ordinary times, the heavy expense of repairing damages caused by the earthquake would, without such outside assistance, be a very serious matter.
1897 09 18 at 22:23 UTC, Wirrabara
Was it slight or was it sharp?
Laura Standard (SA : 1889 – 1917), Friday 24 September 1897, page 3
WIRRABARA.
A slight shock of earthquake was felt here at 7.53 Sunday morning.
Evening Journal (Adelaide, SA : 1869 – 1912), Tuesday 21 September 1897, page 2
WIRRABARA, Monday. A sharp shock of earthquake was experienced yesterday morning at 7.53. The movement was apparently from west to east.
1897 09 26 at 17:58 UTC, Booleroo Centre
Evening Journal (Adelaide, SA : 1869 – 1912), Monday 27 September 1897, page 2
Another Earthquake.
BOOLEROO CENTRE, Monday.
A strong shock of earthquake was felt here at about twenty-eight minutes past 3 this morning. The length of duration was fully half a minute. Apparently the tremour was travelling from north-east to south-west. It rattled windows and crockery in the stone buildings. There was also thunder during the night, with showers of rain.
1897 10 22 time? Leigh’s Creek
Evening Journal (Adelaide, SA : 1869 – 1912), Monday 25 October 1897, page 2
EARTHQUAKE AT LEIGH’S CREEK. — The Postmaster-General, Sir Charles Todd, has informed us that on Saturday he received the following message from the telegraph operator at Leigh’s Creek:—”Shock of earthquake, accompanied by low rumbling noise, was felt here this morning.”
1897 10 23 early morning, Kingston
1897 10 24 at 23:15 UTC, Kingston
South Australian Register (Adelaide, SA : 1839 – 1900), Wednesday 3 November 1897, page 5
EARTH TREMORS AT KINGSTON.
RESIDENTS BECOMING USED TO THEM. KINGSTON, Saturday.
This week we have experienced two earth tremors, the first occurring on Monday, at about 8. 45 a.m., and the second in the early hours of Sunday morning. Both of them were accompanied by long and loud rumbling, with sufficient vibration to cause furniture to rattle. With the contempt that comes of familiarity, we are ceasing to take the slightest notice of the phenomena, and it is only when they occur in the middle of the night that we feel the least discomfort. To be aroused from one’s best sleep and find the bed trembling, and the windows rattling whilst the air is rent with a noise like thunder, is, to say the least of it, disquieting.
1897 11 02 at 10:35 UTC, Woodside
Express and Telegraph (Adelaide, SA : 1867 – 1922), Thursday 4 November 1897, page 4
EARTHQUAKE SHOCK.
Woodside, November 2.
A slight shock of earthquake was felt here to-night at a few minutes past 8 o’clock. It was of very short duration, but the earth tremor was distinctly felt, and it appeared to be travelling in the same direction as the earthquake which occurred on May 10 of this year and occasioned so much excitement; that is, from north-west to south-east. The sound, as before, resembled the rolling of a large tank or the carting of a heavy boiler along the road….”
Advertiser (Adelaide, SA : 1889 – 1931), Thursday 4 November 1897, page 6
EARTHQUAKE SHOCKS.
Nairne, November 3.
A shock of earthquake was felt here last night at five minutes past 8 o’clock. It was travelling in a north-easterly direction. The iron on the roofs rattled and a rumbling noise accompanied the earth movement. The weather was calm.
1897 11 21 at 23:30 UTC, Robe/Kingston
Border Watch (Mount Gambier, SA : 1861 – 1954), Saturday 27 November 1897, page 3
ROBE.
November 24.
Scarcely had I reported that earthquakes seemed to be all gone when quite a “stiff’un ” came along on Monday morning about 9 o’clock. The tremor was distinctly felt by a large number of people who, however, took little notice of it. I hear that between Robe and Kingston it was much severer than here.
1897 11 28 at 20:25 UTC, New Residence
South Australian Register (Adelaide, SA : 1839 – 1900), Tuesday 14 December 1897, page 5
NEW RESIDENCE. Thursday. A slight shock of earthquake was felt here on the 29th ult. at about five minutes to 6 in the morning.
1897 11 30 at 20:30 UTC, Murray Bridge
Chronicle (Adelaide, SA : 1895 – 1954), Saturday 4 December 1897, page 12
On Monday the post and telegraph master at Murray Bridge reported to the Postmaster General (Sir C. Todd) as follows:— “Slight shock of earthquake was felt here this morning about 6 o’clock ; shook windows.
1897 12 10 morning local time, Wolseley
Chronicle (Adelaide, SA : 1895 – 1954), Saturday 18 December 1897, page 7
WOLSELEY, December 13. A slight shock of earthquake was felt in the district on Friday morning.
Some Extracts of Interest from Contemporary Newspapers
Damage to the Cape Jaffa Lighthouse and Reef
Chronicle (Adelaide, SA : 1895 – 1954), Saturday 29 May 1897, page 9
The light station which suffered most severely during the late earth tremors in the south-east was that at Cape Jaffa. According to Mr. J. S. Murisin, a fitter sent by the Engineer-in-Chief to effect repairs to the machinery at the lighthouse, the upright shaft and wheel driving the lantern suffered most, the shaft being much bent and the wheel very badly twisted, having been thrown out of gear about 2½ in. The guide rollers steadying the lantern were bent nearly double, and several of the stays were bent, bolts broken, and the eye on the end of a stay torn out. A part of the reef had gone out of sight altogether. The cottages were cracked all over, so that daylight was visible through them, and the chimneys were ready to fall. All three keepers were at the light and had been having a trying time with the shocks, wind, and rain. They had to pull the lantern round all night, and under the circumstances it kept very good time, the light burning brightly. The Engineer-in-Chief, who issued instructions for repairs necessary to keep the light in use, complimented the lightkeepers, and the Treasurer directed that they should be commended for their conduct. The president of the Marine Board at a board meeting on Thursday, to which the matter was referred, expressed satisfaction at the way the keepers had done their duty. He said the board should recognise the efforts of the keepers to maintain an efficient light, and in sticking to their posts when part of the reef on which the lighthouse stood disappeared. He thought the least they could do was to inform them that under the circumstances they performed their duties excellently. The board endorsed the president’s view, and directed that a commendatory letter be sent to each keeper.
The Mental Strain of Repeated Aftershocks on Residents of the South-east
Advertiser (Adelaide, SA : 1889 – 1931), Monday 7 June 1897, page 4
THE EARTH SHOCKS.
Our Kingston correspondent writes under date June 4:— “The earth shocks are becoming a very serious matter here. At half-past 10 this evening I was writing my wife who is now at Tintinarra, on account of the last few day’s experiences, and just as I had stated that I was getting used to them a most severe shock accompanied with a dismal rumbling took place. Two of my children, 12 and 14 years old, were awakened, and so greatly alarmed as to be quite unnerved. I will have to send them away, as these shocks are seriously undermining their health, and this is the experience of every family in the place. The noise and sensation is appalling. I am surprised that the Government do not send some expert in and make investigations in the interests of science. Surely some interesting information could be gathered. We notice that for some hours before and after the shocks the air is very calm and most depressing, and often the sky looks very queer. Some of the residents can prophesy to a nicety when the shocks are about to occur. I shall have to seek a change of residence if they continue. It seems to me and many others here that the men in charge of the Cape Jaffa lighthouse are well deserving of something more substantial than a mere letter of praise. Had they abandoned their charge, property of great value and lives also might have been lost.”
The Science Underway
Adelaide Observer (SA : 1843 – 1904), Saturday 5 June 1897, page 31
THE EARTHQUAKE.
Professor Bragg and Sir Charles Todd have received, in reply to their Appeal published in The Observer a week or two ago, a large mass of information concerning the severe earthquake which was felt through South Australia on Monday, May 10. They have, however, not yet had time to begin the task of classifying and analysing the material supplied.
The continued earthshocks in the South East are being felt by the lighthouse keepers at Cape Jaffa to such an extent that they have deemed it advisable to move out of the cottages, which have been rendered unsafe to live in. On Saturday morning the President of the Marine Board received a telegram from Mr. F. Taylor, the headkeeper, asking him to send two tents for the accommodation of the light keepers. These will be sent forthwith.
Displacement of the Seafloor in the Bay at Kingston
South Australian Register (Adelaide, SA : 1839 – 1900), Friday 1 October 1897, page 6
MARINE BOARD. Thursday, September 30.
A contract had been let to repair the cottages at Cape Jaffa damaged by the earthquakes. …….
It was suggested from Kingston that the recent earthquake shocks had interfered with the depth of water in the bay. As the wool season was coming on the Board made arrangement with Captain Creswell to take soundings. This was done, with the result that no variation from the published chart was found.
Ground slumping, liquefaction and damage in and near Robe
Photos Slumping near Robe SA and damage at the Robe Post Office, May 1897.
These photos were taken shortly after the 10 May 1897 earthquake. The Express and Telegraph of 13 July 1897 mentions that Mounted-Constable Ewens at Robe, in a report to the Commissioner of Police, included three photographs showing where the ground opened up along the coast south of Robe to Nora-Creina Bay with fissures in the earth measuring from 2 ft. to 6 ft. deep. These photos somehow found their way to Wellington New Zealand.
Gaye Downes, an ex-BMR Canberra geoscientist, discovered them after she moved to NZ and inherited seismologist George Eiby’s office in Wellington. Realising their provenance she sent them to me after we met at an earthquake conference in Sicily. It is possible that fellow New Zealander George Hogben acquired them whilst secretary of the Seismological Committee of AAAS and passed them down to George Eiby. No Australian copies of the photos have been unearthed.
Ground slumping, liquefaction and damage in and near Robe
Photos Slumping near Robe SA and damage at the Robe Post Office, May 1897.
These photos were taken shortly after the 10 May 1897 earthquake. The Express and Telegraph of 13 July 1897 mentions that Mounted-Constable Ewens at Robe, in a report to the Commissioner of Police, included three photographs showing where the ground opened up along the coast south of Robe to Nora-Creina Bay with fissures in the earth measuring from 2 ft. to 6 ft. deep. These photos somehow found their way to Wellington New Zealand.
Gaye Downes, an ex-BMR Canberra geoscientist, discovered them after she moved to NZ and inherited seismologist George Eiby’s office in Wellington. Realising their provenance she sent them to me after we met at an earthquake conference in Sicily. It is possible that fellow New Zealander George Hogben acquired them whilst secretary of the Seismological Committee of AAAS and passed them down to George Eiby. No Australian copies of the photos have been unearthed.
Liquefaction
A Millicent Times journalist reported that one of the blowholes between Cape Jaffa and Mount Benson measured 12ft. across the top and about 9ft. down to water of unknown depth.
The articles above and below describe the phenomenon of liquefaction, a term that was unfamiliar to the Australian lexicon before the 2010 Christchurch NZ earthquakes, yet here is an Australian example just as vivid and spectacular as the best examples in NZ, 113 years beforehand. In NZ in 2010 I observed a plug of the capping soil blown out of a hole under high pore water pressure just as described below near Robe. Other examples are discussed, the report of the fisherman off the Bowdens is just what was seen at Warrnambool Victoria 6 years later during the M5.3 earthquake there, to date the only verifiable cases of liquefaction in Australia.
Narracoorte Herald (SA : 1875 – 1954), Tuesday 18 May 1897, page 3
The tremors have continued with varying intensity. One has passed while I am writing (2.30 p.m.) being the fifth since 8 o’clock this morning, and one does not know what to expect. The ground is cracked in every direction round here, some places 8 or 9 ft. deep and water was during the first shock forced through the fissures to several feet in the air. In the crab-holes in the swamps, now dry, the same thing occurred.
Some wells have been filled with sand forced up from the bottom. On the low land the sand is white; in other places it is dark, evidently volcanic; one well has water in it and it was dry four hours before. Between here and Robe water sprang high into the air from a hole about 2ft in diameter. It has now ceased flowing and you could plug the hole with a piece blown-out of it as it is near by. Some of the newly made fissures spurted dark sand for some time. The shock was felt in the bay by those on the schooner Vale. They say the rattle on board was considerable. Men in a fishing boat outside thought they had run against a shark, until the prolonged disturbance showed otherwise. Another fisherman when off the Bowdens saw the sand working up from the bottom in great quantities for some considerable time. There has been three more loud rumbles since 2.30 p.m., it is now 3.40 p.m., making eight observed this day.”
Evening Journal (Adelaide, SA : 1869 – 1912), Tuesday 25 May 1897, page 2
THE EARTHQUAKE.
FURTHER SHOCKS AT KINGSTON. KINGSTON, Monday.
Considerable shocks of earthquake were again experienced at 12.55 a.m. on Sunday and 1.10 a.m. on Monday. Several minor tremors were felt, but alarm is now gradually subsiding. It is remarkable that the shocks are unnoticeable anywhere except in the Kingston district, which is regarded as a curious coincidence.
Mr. Wight, of Noolook, twelve miles south of Kingston, reports on Saturday the discovery on his property of a blow-out in appearance like a well, and 19 ft. deep. There is 3 ft. of water in the blow-hole, and it is apparently a permanent spring. He is assured there was no hole there before.
Mr. Curkpatrick’s stone house, fourteen miles south-east of Kingston, was totally wrecked by the first shock experienced. The occupants were only just in time to escape the falling walls. Mr. Curkpatrick is now having a weatherboard structure built in place of the destroyed house.
Advertiser (Adelaide, SA : 1889 – 1931), Saturday 22 May 1897, page 9
THE EARTHQUAKE SHOCK.
FURTHER PARTICULARS. Robe, May 19.
The nerves of young and old were beginning once more to resume their normal condition as the earth tremors were gradually becoming weaker and occurring at less frequent intervals, but last nights we had two strong shocks which rattled things considerably and stopped clocks. Up to last night we had not had a severe tremor since 3.35 on Friday—when the children rushed out of school—and 2 o’clock on Saturday night. Altogether, up to the present, I have counted about a dozen shocks, but as more have taken place during the night than the day. I suppose about twice as many have actually occurred. Accounts from the country round Robe show the earthquake to have been severer in many places there than in Robe itself. I have heard of at least six families whose homes have been destroyed or at any rate damaged so much so as to be unsafe for habitation. At the parsonage, the Robe Hotel, the post-office, and several private houses the injury was so great that they will either have to be entirely rebuilt or have several walls pulled down. The new tower at the Church of England has been cracked, as well as the obelisk at Cape Dombey. The fissures near some of the lakes, chiefly Batty’s and the Fellmongery, present an interesting sight. Running in a direction parallel to the southern side are to be seen several long lines of fissures, some 2 ft. wide, and almost forming steps from the edge of the lake to the higher ground. At the Fellmongery lake there is an acre more water than formerly.
Damage
Narracoorte Herald (SA : 1875 – 1954), Tuesday 11 May 1897, page 2
The earthquake at Frances.
Frances, May 10.
A severe shock of earthquake was felt here about half-past 2 o’clock to-day. It did considerable damage inside Mr. Brown’s store, damaging a large quantity of crockery and other goods which were shook off the shelves. The chimney of his residence also fell down. The shock seemed to travel from north to south, and lasted about half a minute. About 5 o’clock another slight tremor passed along.
Narracoorte Herald (SA : 1875 – 1954), Tuesday 11 May 1897, page 2
THE EARTHQUAKE IN ADELAIDE.
Adelaide, May 10.
A most severe earthquake shock was experienced in Adelaide at 2.26 this afternoon, Buildings rocked to and fro some seconds, and people rushed into the streets. A number of walls were cracked, some chimneys were shaken down, and the clock in the Council Chamber stopped.
At the Government Printing Office the ceiling cracked, and some plaster fell, and some of the men became so alarmed in their eagerness to escape from the building that they smashed the windows. The right arm of the emblematical figure surmounting the old Exchange Buildings in Pirie-street was broken off.
Port Augusta Dispatch, Newcastle and Flinders Chronicle (SA : 1885 – 1916), Friday 14 May 1897, page 3
An Earthquake.”At 25 minutes past 2 p.m. on Monday last a slight shock of earth tremor was felt by many in Port Augusta……”receipt of a telegram from our Adelaide agent, confirming our worst suspicions :— Adelaide, May10th, 3.28 p.m. ” An earthquake shock was experienced to-day in the city and suburbs at twenty-five minutes past 2 p.m. The buildings rocked; the pavements shivered; lamps swung and bells rung; people rushed from buildings, some of which were cracked, in a state of great consternation, and the streets of Adelaide are thronged with frightened people.”
The following text was extracted from the Millicent Times (SA : 1891 – 1905), Saturday 15 May 1897, page 3
Earthquake shocks have been felt in this district at odd times and sundry seasons, but that which took place on Monday, May 10th, will probably make a new land mark in local history. Occurring, at 2.25 p.m., it struck the towns of the South-East and so far as Millicent is concerned, the shock was so severe that people were generally too much engaged in a stampede from the vicinity of threatening ruin to take clear notice of ordinary trifles. In the crowded court house, at the first sound of disturbance, the Bench looked first indignant and inclined to call for order, but the rocking of the walls and the fall of pellets of plaster convinced the justices that an instant but informal adjournment of the court was absolutely necessary. Residents allege that the street had the undulating motion of a long low ocean swell, and on the Wyrie the tremor raised a quivering cloud of dust and chips to some height from the ground. The shock lasted from thirty to forty seconds, and in that time did a good deal of damage. Chimneys were thrown down in about a dozen places, walls were cracked and ceiling ornaments and plaster fell in most houses. In the Millicent Hotel part of the wall of the kitchen fell and the bells were set ringing violently while in several of the business places of the town bottles were shaken from from the shelves and a good deal of damage done.
A second shock was felt at 5 p.m. and also at 2 a.m. on Tuesday morning, but neither was violent enough to cause any great commotion. The first outside intelligence was brought by the train from Beachport, at which place the shock was more severe than here. Then wires came through from Robe, Mount Gambier and almost all towns of the South-East, which showed that much damage had been caused elsewhere. In Mount Gambier, it was not so bad as in other parts. There Nature twisted the spire and knocked the stone cross from the gable of the Presbyterian Church and dislodged the Christian symbol from St. Paul’s Roman Catholic Church. The Court House was badly injured, the National Bank and the Mount Gambier Hotel had a severe shake, and many chimneys were toppled over. The disturbance extended over the colony as far north as beyond Port Augusta, and although some wreckage was caused among the crowded buildings of Adelaide, the most powerful end of it appeared to be located in the south-eastern corner of South Australia. and more particularly in the country between Beachport and Kingston. A traveller, coming from Kingston on Monday, states that when passing Lowrie’s Range at 2.30 p.m. he saw the ground open just below the hills and discharge water, like a 50-horsepower fountain, to a height of some feet. A little later he reached the Telegraph Hotel where the landlady was surveying the ruins of her home. She had been inside when the first shake occurred, but got outside just in time to see the kitchen collapse over the place where she stood, and immediately afterwards the main part of the building fell together. In the town of Kingston the shock was also very severe.
Advertiser (Adelaide, SA : 1889 – 1931), Saturday 22 May 1897, page 9
FURTHER PARTICULARS. Robe, May 19.
The nerves of young and old were beginning once more to resume their normal condition as the earth tremors were gradually becoming weaker and occurring at less frequent intervals, but last nights we had two strong shocks which rattled things considerably and stopped clocks. Up to last night we had not had a severe tremor since 3.35 on Friday—when the children rushed out of school—and 2 o’clock on Saturday night. Altogether, up to the present, I have counted about a dozen shocks, but as more have taken place during the night than the day. I suppose about twice as many have actually occurred. Accounts from the country round Robe show the earthquake to have been severer in many places there than in Robe itself. I have heard of at least six families whose homes have been destroyed or at any rate damaged so much so as to be unsafe for habitation. At the parsonage, the Robe Hotel, the post-office, and several private houses the injury was so great that they will either have to be entirely rebuilt or have several walls pulled down. The new tower at the Church of England has been cracked, as well as the obelisk at Cape Dombey. The fissures near some of the lakes, chiefly Batty’s and the Fellmongery, present an interesting sight. Running in a direction parallel to the southern side are to be seen several long lines of fissures, some 2 ft. wide, and almost forming steps from the edge of the lake to the higher ground. At the Fellmongery lake there is an acre more water than formerly.
Cost of repairs to Government Buildings
South Australian Register (Adelaide, SA : 1839 – 1900), Saturday 8 January 1898, page 6
GOVERNMENT BUILDINGS IN 1897.
In accordance with our usual custom we publish a few particulars obtained from the Works and Buildings Department relating to works executed during the year ended December 21, 1897. The past year has been an exceedingly busy and eventful one, the department having had to cope with damage done in various paTable 8 Earthquakes in South Australia, 1897
rts of the colony by flood, cyclone, and earthquakes. Early in the year the great cyclone occurred in the Northern Territory, damaging or entirely destroying a number of Government buildings. This led to the Chief Clerk of Works, Mr. Venables, being sent from Adelaide with a number of artisans to make good the damage done. The buildings have been reinstated in the most economical manner possible at a cost of about £1,667. Later on an extraordinary downpour of rain fell over Adelaide and suburbs, causing several floods, one of which flowed through the Parkside Asylum grounds, and swept away some of the walls of the courtyards attached to the main buildings, some of the inmates narrowly escaping being drowned, and also demolishing a great portion of the boundary walls surrounding the grounds. ln May a severe shock of earthquake was experienced throughout the colony, but luckily the damage done was principally confined to the buildings in Kingston, Robe, Beachport, and Tanunda (Ed. Tanunda?).
The State Governor on a shooting vacation at Robe during the earthquake
The Governor of South Australia, Thomas Buxton and party arrived at Mr. John Brown’s hotel, Robe on 8 May for a three day shooting party. The shooting camp had been pitched on the banks of Lake Hawdon, whither an early start was made on Monday morning 10 May. Three very pleasant days were spent there, the weather being most enjoyable. The party were all out shooting at the time of the earthquake. Some anxiety was felt as to what the effects would be in the neighboring district, but although the shocks were severe his Excellency was scarcely prepared to hear of the rad destruction at Robe, Kingston, and Beaehport, and decided to somewhat curtail his visit that he might have an opportunity of visiting personally some of the sufferers from this very unlooked for disaster.
Almost the first place visited was ” The Telegraph Hotel,” an inn between Robe and Kingston, the destruction of which appeared to be almost complete. The proprietor and his wife were at the time busily engaged in building up a temporary tenement of iron while their hotel was undergoing repairs. The well there had run dry and a stream started instead a mile distant. The metalled roadway showed in many places large cracks and fissures and the marks where springs of water had sprung up and flowed down the road. His Excellencv personally visited several of the buildings which had suffered at Kingston. The party returned to Adelaide on Friday morning, 14 May.
[extracts from Express and Telegraph (Adelaide, SA : 1867 – 1922), Friday 14 May 1897, page 2]
A Description of the Earthquake at Kingston and Robe.
Narracoorte Herald (SA : 1875 – 1954), Friday 14 May 1897, page 2
Mr. W. H. Ellis, who was at Robe on Monday when the earthquake took place, supplied our reporter with the following account of it on Wednesday :—
“I was in Robe when the earthquake took place on Monday afternoon. The sun shone out brightly, and I recognised that the rays were pecularily hot. I was waiting for a trap to convey me to
Kingston, and meanwhile sat down to glance at the paper. I suddenly heard a peculiar rumbling noise, then I saw the hotel (Savage’s) I was staying in swaying to and fro. I ran out into the passage when the shock was at its height, and I was dashed up against one of the walls, and then fully realized that an earthquake was taking place. I then rushed outside and saw the earth open up, which seemed to me at the time to the extent of two or three feet, but on looking at the same place again I found that it was an exten-sive fissure two inches across. On going round the streets of Robe I saw many fissures, and all over the roads were pools of water, which showed that the water had came from these fissures. Between Kingston and Robe I saw the effects of earthquake on every side. Between Blagg’s and Mount Benson station I saw a subsidence of the ground at the side of the road fully ten feet in diameter, which looked like a disused well. On the rise approaching Mount Benson I saw numerous fissures, as if jets of water had been coming out of them. There were also deposits of sand from these fissures which looked like disintegrated sea shells. I obtained a small quantity of this sand and sent it on to the “Register” to be inspected by experts. I was told there were large quantities of this sand all over the country in and around Robe. All the way to Kingston I heard reports of damage done to houses, and I met a man and his family whose house had been totally destroyed going to a neighbours to get shelter for his wife and children. The Telegraph hotel was also a total wreck. I was told that many settlers and their families were going to Kingston and Robe to seek shelter. On my arrival at Kingston I found Doris’s and Pinches’ hotels much damaged, the landlord of the former being camped with his family in a paddock near the township. Visitors to
Kingston, including two or three commercial travellers, were accommodated at friends’ houses for the night, as the hotels were considered unsafe. In fact some of the regular boarders at the hotels slept in the railway carriages which happened to be in the station. The earth tremors were continuous at Kingston during Monday night, and so terrified were the residents that the bulk of them remained up all night, whilst those who occupied stone houses accepted the hospitality of those with wooden ones. In one room 10 ft. x 10 ft. 13 persons were accommodated on Monday and Tuesday nights. Very many people suffered from a feeling akin to sea-sickness. I never had such an experience in my life, and do not want to undergo it again.”
Effects at the Port and on the tide gauge
Express and Telegraph (Adelaide, SA : 1867 – 1922), Tuesday 11 May 1897, page 3
At about 2.30 p.m. on Monday an earth tremor was felt at the Port and Semaphore. It lasted for about three minutes and caused a great deal of excitement and a little con-sternation. It seemed to have been most severely felt in the business part of the Port where the buildings moved considerably out of the perpendicular, while pictures and windows rattled considerably. Almost all the inmates of the stores and offices ran out into the streets, wondering what was about ‘to happen, but apparently, no harm was done to anything. In a few instances loose plaster was shaken from the walls and light articles were thrown to the ground; but no structural damage was done. The two storey buildings appeared to be more seriously shaken than the one-storey ones, but they are apparently none the worse for it.
The shipping was quite unaffected, though the tide gauge showed a perceptible register of the tremor. At the point in the diagram where the tremor was felt a dark mark was made by the pencil and then followed an elevation above the regular curve described by the ebb of the tide, extending over about half an hour and rising gradually to a maximum elevation of 2 in. and then as gradually falling away until the normal curve was resumed.
| Date | time | Latitude | Longitude | M | Location | Reference |
| 1897 01 28 | – | -31.11 | 138.67 | 3.0 | Blinman | Dix/This paper |
| 1897 01 28 | 23:45 | -31.11 | 138.67 | 3.5 | Blinman | Dix |
| 1897 03 30 | 06:45 | -32.26 | 138.64 | 3.5 | Belton | This paper |
| 1897 04 09 | 14:30 | -38.1 | 140.7 | 3.5 | Port MacDonnell | This paper |
| 1897 04 10 | 02:30 | -34.07 | 137.59 | 3.5 | Moonta Mines | This paper |
| 1897 04 11* | 15:30 | -38.07 | 140.47 | 3.5 | Port MacDonnell | Dix/This paper |
| 1897 04 23 | 21:00 | -32.61 | 138.54 | 3.6 | Eurelia | Dix/This paper |
| 1897 04 26 | 09:30 | -34.13 | 138.86 | 3.0 | Marrabel | This paper |
| 1897 04 27 | 10:33 | -33.10 | 138.26 | 3.5 | Wirrabara | Dix/This paper |
| 1897 05 10 | 05:26 | -37.33 | 139.75 | 6.5 | Kingston mainshock | McCue, 1975 |
| 1897 05 10 | 07:30 | -37.1 | 139.3 | 4.6 | 1st strong aftershock | This paper |
| 1897 05 12 | 13:30 | -36.8 | 139.6 | 3.0 | Kingston | This paper |
| 1897 05 14 | 16:30 | -36.8 | 139.6 | 3.5 | Kingston | This paper |
| 1897 05 18 | 00:45 | -36.8 | 139.6 | 3.0 | Kingston | This paper |
| 1897 05 18 | 17:25 | -36.8 | 139.6 | 4.0 | Kingston | This paper |
| 1897 05 19 | 03:50 | -36.8 | 139.6 | 3.5 | Kingston | This paper |
| 1897 05 23 | – | -36.96 | 139.56 | 3.0 | Lucindale | This paper |
| 1897 05 24 | – | -36.96 | 139.56 | 3.5 | Lucindale | This paper |
| 1897 05 28 | 12:05 | -36.96 | 139.56 | 4.0 | Robe/Kingston | This paper |
| 1897 05 28 | 14:00 | -36.96 | 139.56 | 3.0 | Robe | This paper |
| 1897 06 01 | 09:25 | -37.2 | 139.6 | 4.2 | Robe | Dix/This paper |
| 1897 06 03 | 13:00 | -37.2 | 139.6 | 5.0 | Robe | McCue, 2012 |
| 1897 06 03 | 15:00 | -37.0 | 139.6 | 3.0 | Mt Gambier | This paper |
| 1897 06 03 | 18:00 | -37.0 | 139.6 | 3.5 | Robe/Mt Gambier | This paper |
| 1897 06 18 | 10:18 | -36.8 | 139.7 | 3.0 | Kingston | This paper |
| 1897 06 18 | 14:45 | -36.5 | 139.0 | 5.2 | To sea off Coorong | Dix/This paper |
| 1897 06 25 | 10:25 | -36.8 | 139.7 | 3.0 | Kingston | This paper |
| 1897 06 29 | 18:30 | -36.83 | 139.85 | 4.5 | Robe | Dix/This paper |
| 1897 07 08 | 20:30 | -36.7 | 139.5 | 3.0 | Kingston | This paper |
| 1897 07 25 | 10:00 | -36.7 | 139.5 | 3.0 | Kingston | This paper |
| 1897 09 10 | 18:41 | -31.5 | 138.0 | 4.8 | Lake Torrens | Dix/This paper |
| 1897 09 18 | 22:23 | -33.03 | 138.27 | 3.0 | Wirrabara | Dix/This paper |
| 1897 09 26 | 17:58 | -32.89 | 138.35 | 3.2 | Booleroo Centre | This paper |
| 1897 10 22 | – | -30.59 | 138.37 | 3.5 | Leigh’s Creek | This paper |
| 1897 10 23 | 16:00 | -36.7 | 139.5 | 3.2 | Kingston | This paper |
| 1897 10 24 | 23:15 | -36.7 | 139.5 | 3.5 | Kingston | This paper |
| 1897 11 02 | 10:35 | -34.96 | 138.88 | 2.5 | Oakbank | Dix/This paper |
| 1897 11 06 | 11:00 | -35.3 | 138.7 | 2.5 | Nangkita | This paper |
| 1897 11 06 | 11:30 | -35.3 | 138.7 | 2.5 | Nangkita | This paper |
| 1897 11 08 | 03:15 | -34.27 | 139.10 | 2.7 | Eudunda | Dix/This paper |
| 1897 11 21 | 23:30 | -37.0 | 139.5 | 3.5 | Robe/Kingston | This paper |
| 1897 11 29 | 20:25 | -34.62 | 139.70 | 4.3 | Swan Reach | This paper |
| 1897 12 12 | – | -36.37 | 140.92 | 2.5 | Wolseley | This paper |
1898
The aftershock sequence of the 10 May 1897 earthquake in the Southeast continued through the year with one of the larger aftershocks of the sequence offshore Kingston striking fear into the residents on 10 April. It was an active year with 15 earthquakes located, seven of them aftershocks at Kingston or Beachport. Yet two of the earthquakes listed by Dix were not found on Trove – there are obviously more newspapers to be scanned by the ANL, more earthquakes to be found.
Narracoorte Herald (SA : 1875 – 1954), Tuesday 25 January 1898, page 2
Recent Earthquakes. — By far the most important document laid before the members of the Australian Association for the advancement of science, which has been holding its sittings in Sydney, was the report of the Seismological Committee, which was read by the Secretary, Mr. G. Hogben, M.A., of New Zealand. He mentioned that in his own colony systematic observations had led to the source of many earthquakes being accurately found, and their velocity of propagation had been determined at rather under than over twenty miles a minute. In a few cases the depth of the origin had been fixed at twenty-four miles below the earth’s surface. Calculations made by Sir Charles Todd and others concerning the South Australian earthquake of 1897 led to the belief that it was possibly due to the sliding of one part of the earth’s crust upon another, such as formed what was known in geology as a “fault.” Later and slighter shocks were being caused by the readjustment of the earth’s crust.
South Australian Register (Adelaide, SA : 1839 – 1900), Friday 22 April 1898, page 4
THE EARTHSHOCKS IN THE SOUTH-EAST.
Writing with reference to the earth shocks which have been experienced along the South-East coast since the first disturbance on May 10, 1897, a correspondent from Kingston states— ‘The following is a list of well-authenticated earth-tremors from January 1 to date:—
January— Five force 2, two force 3, one force 4
February— One force 1, five force2.
March – One force 1, one force 2, one force 4.
April— Nine force 2, one force 3, one force 4, one force 6.
1898 01 28 at 08:20 UTC, Barossa Valley
Kapunda Herald (SA : 1878 – 1951), Friday 4 February 1898, page 3
MARRABEL, February 2.
On Friday last, January 28, at ten minutes to six p.m. we had a very sharp shock of an earthquake. It appeared to travel from north-west to south-east.
Adelaide Observer (SA : 1843 – 1904), Saturday 5 February 1898, page 15
SHOCK OF EARTHOUAKE.
GREENOCK, Friday.
A heavy shock of earthquake was felt at eight minutes to 6 this evening. It was travelling west to east. A low rumbling noise accompanied the shock.
TANUNDA, Friday.
At 5.50 p.m. to-day we had a shock of earthquake. It lasted only about four or five seconds, but it was very severe. It was travelling apparently from south-west to north-east.
SUTHERLANDS, Saturday.
Another earthshock was distinctly felt here at 5.45 p.m. on Friday. It was accompanied by a heavy rumbling sound.
HAMILTON, Saturday.
We experienced a smart shock of earthquake last evening at a quarter to 6. It lasted for some seconds, and appeared to be travelling from north to south. Doors, windows, crockery, &c., were caused to rattle by the vibration.
TRURO, Friday.
A sharp earthquake was experienced here at eight minutes to 6 this evening, apparently going from south-west to north-east. Windows and doors rattled, and most people felt the shock very distinctly. It was only of short duration.
EDEN VALLEY, Friday.
A slight shock of earthquake was felt here this evening about 5.53. Sir Charles Todd has courteously supplied us with the following advices from telegraph stations:—
LYNDOCH —Severe shock of earthquake felt here at 5.51 p.m. Travelling north-west to
south-east.
STOCKWELL. —Short and sharp earthquake shock at 5.51 p.m. Shook houses. Apparently going north-west to south-east. Lasted about 15 sec.
Figure 25 Felt area of a small earthquake in the Barossa Valley on 28 January 1898 at 08:20 CST
TRURO.—Severe shock of earthquake of short duration felt here at 5.52 p.m.
WILLIAMSTOWN. — Very severe shock of earthquake felt here at 5.52 p.m. Did not last long.
KAPUNDA.—Severe earthshock experienced here at 5.52 p.m. ; loud rumbling, pronounced vihration ; apparent direction south to north.
TANUNDA.— Fairly severe earthquake passed at 5.52 p.m. from south-west to north-east. Shook building very much, and dislodged things from shelves at store. Weather calm, clear, hot. Duration, 4 to 5 sec.
FREELING.— Distinct shock of earthquake
at 5.52 p.m., accompanied by heavy rumbling noise, and appeared to be travelling from west to east. Duration about 20 sec.
Quiz and the Lantern (Adelaide, SA : 1890 – 1900), Thursday 3 February 1898, page 6
A slight shock of earthquake in the neighborhood of Gawler is reported.
1898 01 30 at 06:30 UTC Pars
Millicent Times (SA : 1891 – 1905), Saturday 5 February 1898, page 2
District Pars.
Many residents from different parts of the district report a light shock of earthquake on Sunday, January 30th at 4p.m.
Chronicle (Adelaide, SA : 1895 – 1954), Saturday 5 March 1898, page 20
INSPECTION OF THE SOUTH-EASTERN LIGHTHOUSES.
On Monday night the president of the Marine Board (Mr. T. N. Stephens) returned to Port Adelaide from an examination of the various lighthouses and Marine Board property in the south-east. Mr. Stephens said he, in company with Wardens Gibbon and Berry, and Mr. Slade, of the Engineer-in-Chief’s Department, left Port Adelaide on Tuesday, February 22, for Mount Gambier……and the board went on in her to Cape Jaffa lighthouse at Margaret Brock Reef, and found it and the jetty by which it is approached across the reef in very good order, notwithstanding the shaking it received at the time of the recent earthquake shock. The keepers had a very anxious time, as the revolving apparatus was thrown out of gear, and they had to turn it by hand with a clock in front of them to time the revolutions correctly. The cottages, about four miles from the lighthouse, were visited, and at these as well considerable damage had been done by the earthquake and its rather alarming extent noticed. This damage has all been repaired. The shock was also experienced at Penguin Island and at Beachport, and at the former several hundred tons of the little island on which the lighthouse stands was broken off and deposited in the sea. At Cape Banks the shock was felt but no damage was done.
1898 03 06 at 11:30 UTC, Hammond
Quorn Mercury (SA : 1895 – 1954), Friday 18 March 1898, page 4
HAMMOND.
March 9th.
A shock of earthquake was felt here on Sunday night at about 9 o’clock. It was not very severe, but was accompanied by a rumble which lasted about two or three seconds. The disturbance seemed to travel from east to west.
1898 04 01 night, Meteor over Bowhill – probably not an earthquake
Advertiser (Adelaide, SA : 1889 – 1931), Friday 8 April 1898, page 5
PHENOMENA AT BOWHILL.
Under date April 5 our Bowhill correspondent writes:—”A most brilliant meteor was observed last Friday night. It was a wonderful sight, first lighting the heavens with a powerful red which changed afterwards to blue. In its descent a loud hissing sound was heard. Two distinct shocks, resembling those of an earthquake, were felt immediately after, causing the ground to tremble and the windows to rattle. A little later it started raining, when a beautiful lunar rainbow was witnessed. We have had splendid rains since.”
1898 04 10 at 21:25 UTC, Kingston
1898 04 11 at 01:30 UTC, Kingston
Border Watch (Mount Gambier, SA : 1861 – 1954), Wednesday 13 April 1898, page 2
THE EARTHQUAKE AT KINGSTON.
Kingston, April 11.
This morning, shortly before 7 o’clock, we were favored with a big shock of earthquake. Since May 10 last year we have had an enormous number of tremors, many of them being of an alarming nature, but since the first fortnight or three weeks nothing like the one this morning has occurred. No damage has been done beyond a few cracks in ceilings, &c., but this shock was followed up by another about 11 o’clock this morning, not nearly so severe, but quite enough to make people uncomfortable; and what does the damage to nerves is the fact that no one knows when a big crash is coming off. We can only hope that these are only tremors consequent on the grand display of the 10th of May last.
Narracoorte Herald (SA : 1875 – 1954), Tuesday 19 April 1898, page 3
MOUNT GAMBIER. April 17.
It strikes me you have not yet chronicled the fact that we had an earthquake shock on Easter Monday morning as well as you It occurred at 6.40, and lasted three or four seconds. The tremor made doors and windows and loose dishes on shelves and tables rattle. It did no harm.
Border Watch (Mount Gambier, SA : 1861 – 1954), Wednesday 13 April 1898, page 2
SHOCK OF EARTHQUAKE. — An earth tremor was felt here on Monday morning at about 25 minutes to 7 o’clock, when many were lying awake in bed preparatory to getting up. It was thus observed by a larger number than would perhaps have noticed it had it occurred later in
Figure 26 Isoseismal map of the Kingston aftershock on 11 April 1898 at 6:55 am CST. The felt reports in Victoria, at Minimay and Goroke, were discovered after the map was drawn.
the day. A dull rumbling sound was immediately followed by the trembling of the earth for three or four seconds. The shock made crockery and bottles on shelves, and doors and windows rattle, but was not strong enough to do any damage. It alarmed a number of people, however, sufficiently to make them run outside their houses for fear that something worse would follow. A few who had read a curious book recently circulated, which fixed the end of the world for Easter, were apprehensive that this was the first sign of the end, and were accordingly alarmed. The tremor was felt all over the district, and it is remarkable that it seems to have been more felt in stony ground and on hills than in softer ground and in valleys. At Tantanoola and Millicent it was apparently more distinctly felt than at Mount Gambier, and its effects were more marked. It was powerful enough at Millicent to over-turn ornaments on shelves and break plaster from ceilings. But its duration was about the same everywhere. It was also felt at Port MacDonnell, Penola, and Narracoorte. It was on May 10 last year that the heavy shock was felt in the district. A private letter from Beachport states that the earth tremor there was severe enough to crack the walls in some of the rooms of Mr. Riley’s Bay View Hotel and to do damage to the Post-office.
Evening Journal (Adelaide, SA : 1869 – 1912), Wednesday 13 April 1898, page 2
THE EARTHQUAKE SHOCK.
Our Narracoorte correspondent, writing on Tuesday, says:—”We experienced a severe earthshock about a quarter to 7 o’clock on Monday morning, which frightened many of the residents. The tremor was the severest one we have had since the shock of May 10 last. It lasted for about 30 sec., and rattled the doors and windows of houses. It seemed to be of coastal origin.”
South Australian Register (Adelaide, SA : 1839 – 1900), Wednesday 13 April 1898, page 4
THE EARTHQUAKE SHOCK.
The following memorandum has been for-waded to the Postmaster-General:— “A slight shock of earthquake was felt in the South-East yesterday morning, April 11.
The head Keeper at Cape Northumberland Lighthouse reports— Slight shock felt in town at 6.45 a.m.; appeared to be travel-ling south-east. Stationmaster at Wellington East reports— Shock felt at about 6.38 a.m.: shook buildings; lasted about ten seconds. Stationmaster at Beachport reports— Sharp earth shock felt here at 6.40 q.m. Stationmaster at Mount Gambier reports— Slight earthquake felt here at 6.40 a.m.” Our Uraidla correspondent wrote on April 11:— About 6.45 o’clock this morning a slight shock of earthquake was felt pas-sing about north to south. The windows of the house and things on the mantelpiece rattled. Members of our family in three different rooms noticed the shock. A slight rumbling noise like the passing of a trap accompanied the shock, which lasted from seven to ten seconds.
South Australian Register (Adelaide, SA : 1839 – 1900), Thursday 14 April 1898, page 4
THE EARTHQUAKE SHOCK.
Our Narracoorte correspondent, writing on Tuesday, says:— “We experienced a severe earthshock about a quarter to 7 o’clock on Monday morning, which frightened many of the residents. The tremor was the severest one we have had since the shock of May 10 last. It lasted for about 30 sec., and rattled the doors and windows of houses. It seemed to be of coastal origin.” Our Beachport correspondent, writing on April 11, said: — “A sharp earthquake shock was felt this morning at 6.45, lasting about 5 sec. The windows and doors rattled freely. It was only a baby shock compared with the first shock last year.” A correspondent informs us that on Monday morning three distinct earthshocks were felt at Mitcham. The shocks were sufficiently pronounced as to awaken sleepers from their slumbers.
Narracoorte Herald (SA : 1875 – 1954), Friday 15 April 1898, page 2
FRIDAY, APRIL 15, 1898.
An Earthquake Shock.—The residents of Narracoorte were somewhat rudely disturbed on Monday morning just as they were beginning to rouse after their night’s slumber by a severe earth tremor. It was just about a quarter to seven when the shock was felt, and it was the severest we have experienced since the memorable quake of May 10. A noise like the rushing of wind preceded the shock, and then a rumbling noise like vehicles passing along hollow ground was heard, and the windows and doors of houses rattled and the foundations of the earth trembled. The shock lasted for about 30 seconds, and greatly alarmed many of the residents. No perceptible damage was done, however, to buildings and other erections, and the shock seemed to be more lengthy than severe. From advices to hand we learn that the shock was felt at Kingston, Robe, and Beachport very severely ; and it was also felt at Mount Gambier, Port MacDonnell, Border Town, Lucindale and other places about the same time as if was experienced here. We learn that at Kingston two further shocks of a comparatively light nature were felt there during Monday.
Adelaide Observer (SA : 1843 – 1904), Saturday 16 April 1898, page 32
EARTHQUAKE SHOCKS.
Our Victor Harbour correspondent telegraphed on Monday:—”A. shock of earthquake was experienced this morning at a quarter to 7 o’clock. It was rather severe.” Our Strathalbyn correspondent telegraphed on Monday evening:—”Two very pronounced shocks of earthquake were felt here this morning at intervals of about fifteen seconds. The first lasted four or five seconds, the other a little less time. The first shock was sufficiently severe to awaken several people by the rattling of windows and the shaking of houses.” A report also came from Mount Gambier as follows:—”A sharp shock of earthquake was felt at Mount Gambier at 6.10 this morning. It rattled furniture and dishes, made the walls vibrate, and was accompanied by rumbling. It lasted only three or four seconds. The shock was even more distinctly felt, and seemed to have greater energy at Tantanoola and Millicent.
The following memorandum has been forwarded by the Postmaster-General:—”A slight shock of earthquake was felt in the South-East yesterday morning, April 11. The Headkeeper at Cape Northumberland Lighthouse reports —-Slight shock felt in town at 6.45 a.m.; appeared to be travelling south-east. Stationmaster at Wellington East reports—Shock felt at about 6.38 a.m.; shook buildings; lasted about ten seconds. Stationmaster at Beachport reports—Sharp earth shock felt here at 6.40 a.m. Stationmaster at Mount Gambier reports—Slight earthquake felt here at 6.40 a.m.” Our Uraidla correspondent wrote on April 11:— About 6.45 o’clock this morning a slight shock of earthquake was felt passing about north to south. The windows of the house and things on the mantelpiece rattled. Members of one family in three different rooms noticed the shock. A slight rumbling noise like the passing of a trap accompanied the shock, which lasted from seven to ten seconds.
Our Narracoorte correspondent, writing on Tuesday, says:—”We experienced a severe earthshock about a quarter to 7 o’clock on Monday morning, which frightened many of the residents. The tremor was the severest one we have had since the shock of May 30 last. It lasted for about 30 sec., and rattled the doors and windows of houses. It seemed to be of coastal origin.” Our Beachport correspondent, writing on April 11, said: — “A sharp earthquake shock was felt this morning at 6.45, lasting about 5 sec. The windows and doors rattled freely. It was only a baby shock compared with the last shock last year.” A correspondent informs us that on Monday morning three distinct earthshocks were felt at Mitcham. The shocks were sufficiently pronounced as to awaken sleepers from their slumbers.
Millicent Times (SA : 1891 – 1905), Saturday 16 April 1898, page 4
A RE-VISIT.—On Easter Monday morning citizens who were about got the promised reward of the early riser in the shape of a fairly severe earthquake shock, and those who were abed at 6.45 a.m. reformed suddenly as a general thing without waiting to record resolutions. Buildings were severely shaken and crockery suffered a little, but the mysterious visitor was not as energetic as on the first call just eleven months before. The shock occurred at a quarter to seven in the morning and only lasted a few seconds though it was preceded and followed by an uncanny rumble for some seconds. In one of the hotels the sleeping guests tumbled out of bed and into the passage suddenly without regard to fashionable walking clothes, and a few citizens made for the open air. Every town in the South-East reports the shock, but at Robe and Kingston it was more severe than elsewhere.
Advertiser (Adelaide, SA : 1889 – 1931), Monday 18 April 1898, page 6
THE COUNTRY.
ROBE, April 13.
Two earthquake shocks were distinctly felt here on Monday morning. The first at about twenty minutes to 7 was very severe, making the buildings vibrate, crockery, &c.,
rattle, and in a few instances knocking over small articles. In the schoolroom small pieces of plastering fell down. The shock was accompanied by a very loud rumbling noise. The second shock occurred about 11 a.m. and was not so severe.
Chronicle (Adelaide, SA : 1895 – 1954), Saturday 16 April 1898, page 40
Sir Charles Todd confirms the statement by our Mount Gambier correspondent that a slight shock of earthquake was felt in the south-east on Easter Monday morning. The headkeeper at Cape Northumberland lighthouse reports that the slight shock felt in Adelaide, at 6. 45 a.m., appeared to be traveling south-east. The stationmaster at Wellington East reports that a shock was felt there at about 6.38 a.m. It shook the buildings and lasted about 10 seconds. The stationmaster at Beachport states that a sharp earthshock was felt there at 6.40 a.m., and the Mount Gambier stationmaster telegraphs that a slight earthquake was felt there at 6.40 a.m.
Mount Barker Courier and Onkaparinga and Gumeracha Advertiser (SA : 1880 – 1954), Friday 15 April 1898, page 3
East Wellington, April 13.
We have again been visited by a slight earth tremor, which travelled from east to west about 7 o’clock on Monday morning.
Strathalbyn, April 14.
An earthquake shock was felt here on Monday morning, the rambling being very distinct. The visitor good-naturedly left us without doing other than informing us of the fact that he was about.
Border Watch (Mount Gambier, SA : 1861 – 1954), Saturday 30 April 1898, page 4
LUCINDALE.
April 18.
We had a rather sharp shock of earthquake here on Monday last, at 6.39 a.m. This was the heaviest one we have had here since May 10 of last year. I have not heard of it doing any damage. It shook doors, windows, etc., but it was felt more severely out Conmurra way, and I believe knocked the crockery off the shelves at Crower Station.
Narracoorte Herald (SA : 1875 – 1954), Tuesday 26 April 1898, page 4
MOUNT MONSTER. April 11.
This morning about 10 minutes past 7 o’clock a slight shock of earthquake was felt.
Border Watch (Mount Gambier, SA : 1861 – 1954), Wednesday 20 April 1898, page 3
KALANGADOO.
April 14.
A severe shock of earthquake was felt on Monday last at 6.45 a.m.
Chronicle (Adelaide, SA : 1895 – 1954), Saturday 23 April 1898, page 27
MILLICENT, April 14. A most distinct shock of earthquake was experienced here on Monday morning at eighteen minutes to 7, apparently travelling west to east, and lasting about five seconds. Though distinct it was not severe, and no damage is reported.
Adelaide Observer (SA : 1843 – 1904), Saturday 23 April 1898, page 10
—A slight shock of earthquake was experienced at Minimay and Goroke on Easter Monday….
KINGSTON, Saturday, April 16. — On Easter Monday we were aroused about 7 a.m. by a rather severe earthshock, succeeded by a much slighter one at 11 a.m. This afternoon we had another slight tremor. Previous to these nothing had been felt for several weeks, and we were thinking they were gradually dying away; now there is a feeling of disquiet and even alarm.
1898 05 29 at 02:10 UTC, Leigh Ck
Advertiser (Adelaide, SA : 1889 – 1931), Thursday 2 June 1898, page 6
THE COUNTRY.
LEIGH’S CREEK, May 30.
We had a very sharp shock of earthquake on Sunday at 11.40 a.m. It appeared to be travelling south-west to north-east.
1898 06 22 at 04:05 UTC, Georgetown
South Australian Register (Adelaide, SA : 1839 – 1900), Saturday 25 June 1898, page 4
Georgetown. Thursday June 23.
A sharp shock of earthquake was felt here yesterday at 1.30 p.m. The vibration lasted for several seconds.
1898 06 22 at 12:30 UTC, Kingston
South Australian Register (Adelaide, SA : 1839 – 1900), Tuesday 28 June 1898, page 6
THE COUNTRY.
KINGSTON. Friday, June 24.— On Wednesday evening, at 10 o’clock, a rather severe shock of earthquake was felt. This proved somewhat surprising as of late we have been singularly free from these disturbances.
South Australian Register (Adelaide, SA : 1839 – 1900), Thursday 30 June 1898, page 5
THE COUNTRY.
BEACHPORT, Monday, June 27.—Two slight shocks of earthquake were felt last week. On Tuesday a loud report like the sound of a distant explosion was heard here and inland for a considerable distance. Many people thought it was another earthquake. The sound seemed to come from the sea. So far no explanation of the noise has been forthcoming.
Border Watch (Mount Gambier, SA : 1861 – 1954), Saturday 16 July 1898, page 4
I am sorry to say that our much too familiar acquaintance (I can’t say friend), Mr. Earthquake, still pesters us occasionally with his attentions, the latest evidence of this being just now, at 9 50 p.m., when a very distinct rumble came along, unaccompanied, however, by any vibration that I could notice.
Millicent Times (SA : 1891 – 1905), Saturday 9 July 1898, page 5
THE RECENT EXPLOSION.
Sir, I have noticed a couple of paragraphs in the Times concerning a loud explosion or supposed report of a cannon fired from a passing steamer, and I think the latter supposition entirely wrong, as I and others heard it distinctly down here and did certainly consider it an explosion on large scale. But the distance is too great for a report of that kind to be heard here. Some of the reports connected with the earth tremors experienced here sounded similar at times.
—Yours etc., Robe, 5/7/98. C. H. POOLE.
1898 06 26 at 12:54 UTC, Melrose
Express and Telegraph (Adelaide, SA : 1867 – 1922), Thursday 7 July 1898, page 3
A severe shock of earthquake was experienced at Melrose on Sunday night.
Chronicle (Adelaide, SA : 1895 – 1954), Saturday 9 July 1898, page 10
MELROSE, June 30.
Rather a severe shock of earthquake was experienced on Sunday night at 10.24 o’clock. It appeared to be travelling from south to north, and was accompanied by a loud rumbling noise as it passed over Mount Remarkable. The noise lasted for several seconds.
1898 07 06 at 20:30 UTC, Kingston
South Australian Register (Adelaide, SA : 1839 – 1900), Friday 15 July 1898, page 6
KINGSTON, Tuesday, July 12. — Earthquake shocks are still prevalent. On Thursday at 6 a.m. a rumbling noise was heard by some of the residents who were awake at the time.
Narracoorte Herald (SA : 1875 – 1954), Friday 22 July 1898, page 3
KINGSTON.
July 16.
On Friday morning sounds of distant thunder, or as some thought earthquake rumblings were heard out at sea, but on enquiring of one of the keepers at Cape Jaffa it seems certain that the noise arose from gun practice on board the H.M.S. Wallaroo. Earthshocks still occasionally cause a little disquietude, but they are not now either very frequent or alarming.
1998 08 16 at 14:15 UTC, Kingston
South Australian Register (Adelaide, SA : 1839 – 1900), Friday 26 August 1898, page 5
KINGSTON, Tuesday, August 23.— This day last week at 11.45 p.m. a strong earthquake shock startled those who were awake, slightly shaking the buildings. — On Friday at 9.15 p.m. another meteor was seen, almost as brilliant as that of last week.
Narracoorte Herald (SA : 1875 – 1954), Tuesday 18 October 1898, page 4
ROBE. October 10.
We have been treated again to a spell of rough squally weather, but it is now much finer. The wind last Friday was extremely boisterous, uprooting trees in all directions. The wind also struck heavily on the end of the old Anglican parsonage, a two storey construction containing about twenty-five rooms, and caused a downfall of a portion of it. This particular building was badly damaged by the memorable 1897 earthquake, and is at the present time in the hands of the masons for repairs. Fortunately no one happened to he on the footpath when the stones and debris were scattered around.
1898 08 31 at 06:00 UTC, Calca
South Australian Register (Adelaide, SA : 1839 – 1900), Thursday 8 September 1898, page 4
CALCA, Thursday, September l. —A slight shock of earthquake was felt in Calca yesterday about 3.30 p.m.
1898 10 05 at 22:05 UTC, Cleve
South Australian Register (Adelaide, SA : 1839 – 1900), Monday 10 October 1898, page 3
CLEVE, Thursday, October 6.—A shock of earthquake was felt at 7.35 a.m.
Chronicle (Adelaide, SA : 1895 – 1954), Saturday 22 October 1898, page 13
CLEVE, October 13. On Thursday morning, October 6, about 8 o’clock, a slight shock of earthquake was felt.
1898 10 10 at 16:30 UTC, Beachport
South Australian Register (Adelaide, SA : 1839 – 1900), Friday 14 October 1898, page 3
KINGSTON, Tuesday, October 11.— This morning, at about 2 o’clock, a number of people were awakened by a strong earthquake rumble, which caused considerable surprise, as we have been free from these unwelcome sounds for some months.
South Australian Register (Adelaide, SA : 1839 – 1900), Tuesday 18 October 1898, page 7
BEACHPORT, Saturday, October 15.— About 2 a.m. on Tuesday a sharp shock of earthquake, accompanied by a heavy rumbling sound, was experienced. It was sufficiently strong to wake up nearly every person in the township.
1898 10 12 at 05:20 UTC, Sutherlands
South Australian Register (Adelaide, SA : 1839 – 1900), Saturday 15 October 1898, page 7
EUDUNDA, Friday, October 14.
Border Watch (Mount Gambier, SA : 1861 – 1954), Wednesday 12 October 1898, page 3
ROBE.
Ootober 8.
The “Old Parsonage,” which has been abandoned since the earthquake in May last year, having been bought by Mrs. Hodge, one of our Adelaide summer visitors, is about to be repaired and renovated for summer use. Yesterday during a heavy squall part of the west end wall facing the street was blown down, which will save the masons some hours work, as it was necessary to pull all that end wall down.
Yesterday ….At about 3 o’clock a sharp shock of earthquake was felt, causing a loud noise and vibration.
Chronicle (Adelaide, SA : 1895 – 1954), Saturday 22 October 1898, page 26
EUDUNDA, October 17. A distinct shock of earthquake was felt here on Thursday last at 2.50 p.m. It was of very short duration, lasting one or two seconds only, and was accompanied by a loud rumbling noise. The apparent direction was from south to north.
Advertiser (Adelaide, SA : 1889 – 1931), Saturday 15 October 1898, page 7
Our Sutherlands correspondent, writing on October 12, says:—”A distinct shock of earthquake was felt here at 10 minutes to 3 o’clock this afternoon ; there waa little if any movement apparent. It resembled in sound and movement a cart in fairly rapid motion.
1898 10 13 at 05:20 UTC, Mt Gambier
Advertiser (Adelaide, SA : 1889 – 1931), Thursday 20 October 1898, page 5
MOUNT GAMBIER, August 16.
A distinct shock of earthquake was felt here on Thursday last at 2.50 p.m. It was of very short duration, lasting one or two seconds only, and was accompanied by a loud rumbling noise. The apparent direction was from south to north.
1898 10 22 and 23 evening, Kingston
Adelaide Observer (SA : 1843 – 1904), Saturday 5 November 1898, page 12
KINGSTON, Tuesday, October 25. Earthquake rumbles are once more renewing their unwelcome visits. This was forcibly illustrated on Saturday and Sunday evenings, when on each occasion loud noises were heard.
1898 10 26 at night, Meningie
Southern Argus (Port Elliot, SA : 1866 – 1954), Thursday 3 November 1898, page 2
Meningie, Nov. 1.
On Wednesday night an earthquake shock was felt very light, travelling from west to 10 east.
1898 11 18 at 21:10 UTC, Kingston
Narracoorte Herald (SA : 1875 – 1954), Tuesday 22 November 1898, page 3
KINGSTON. November 19.
A rather lively earth shock was felt here this morning at 20 minutes to 7, sufficiently strong to rattle windows, doors and crockery, and the best local authority on the subject anticipates another to follow shortly.
Narracoorte Herald (SA : 1875 – 1954), Tuesday 22 November 1898, page 2
Earthquake Shocks.—The South-East has not cleared the line of earthquake shocks yet, as both our Kingston and Lucindale correspondents report that a sharp shock was felt in their neighbourhoods about 7 o’clock on Saturday morning.
Border Watch (Mount Gambier, SA : 1861 – 1954), Saturday 26 November 1898, page 3
FORT MACDONNELL. November 24.
We are still having plenty of gales, and the weather shows no indication of change. There is a suspicion among people here that we have had a slight shock or two of earthquake, but the wind has been so boisterous that they are not exactly decided. At any rate, something unusual has made windows rattle and buildings shake, and caused a more than usual amount of rumbling.
South Australian Register (Adelaide, SA : 1839 – 1900), Thursday 24 November 1898, page 7
BEACHPORT. Monday. November 21. On Saturday morning a gentle reminder in the form of a good loud rumble came along, so that earthquakes are not entirely things of the past.
Figure 27 Distinctly felt at Kingston, Robe, Beachport and Lucindale on 18 November but questionable as to cause of reports at Port Macdonnell. Only an offshore epicentre fits the observations. The red contour is preferred but the white contour also fits the data, the magnitude 4.8 or 4.4 for the options so I have adopted 4.6. The epicentre moves about 20km to the southeast from red to white closer to Beachport which doesn’t fit the Beachport or Port Macdonnell intensities
Border Watch (Mount Gambier, SA : 1861 – 1954), Wednesday 23 November 1898, page 3
ROBE. November 19.
A distinct shook of earthquake was felt this morning at about 6 45. It seemed to come from the usual direction—north-west—and the rumble could be distinctly heard for some seconds.
1898 12 02 at 10:35 UTC, Mt Barker
Mount Barker Courier and Onkaparinga and Gumeracha Advertiser (SA : 1880 – 1954), Friday 9 December 1898, page 3
An earthquake shock was felt at Mount Barker last Friday evening by residents who happened to be indoors at a few minutes past 8 o’clock. It was not nearly in such good form as the last one which stirred up this district, however, and the recollection of past misdeeds did not crop up, as previously.
| Date | Time | Lat | Long | Mag | Place | Reference |
| 1898 01 28 | 08:20 | -34.42 | 139.10 | 3.8 | Barossa Valley | Dix/This paper |
| 1898 04 10 | 21:25 | -36.80 | 139.05 | 5.3 | Kingston aftershock | Dix/This paper |
| 1898 04 11 | 01:30 | -36.80 | 139.05 | 3.0 | Kingston aftershock | This paper |
| 1898 05 29 | 02:10 | -30.6 | 138.4 | 3.0 | Leigh Ck | This paper |
| 1898 06 22 | 04:05 | -33.4 | 138.4 | 2.5 | Georgetown | This paper |
| 1898 06 22 | 12:30 | -36.8 | 139.6 | 3.0 | Kingston aftershock | This paper |
| 1898 06 26 | 12:54 | -32.8 | 138.2 | 3.0 | Melrose | This paper |
| 1898 07 06 | 20:30 | -36.8 | 139.6 | 3.0 | Kingston aftershock | This paper |
| 1898 08 16 | 14:15 | -36.8 | 139.6 | 3.0 | Kingston aftershock | This paper |
| 1898 08 31 | 06:00 | -33.0 | 134.4 | 3.0 | Calca, Eyre Peninsula | This paper |
| 1898 10 05 | 22:05 | -33.7 | 136.5 | 3.0 | Cleve | This paper |
| 1898 10 10 | 16:30 | -37.5 | 139.9 | 2.5 | Beachport aftershock | This paper |
| 1898 10 12 | 05:20 | -34.2 | 139.2 | 2.5 | Sutherlands | This paper |
| 1898 11 18 | 21:10 | -37.5 | 139.6 | 4.6 | Kingston aftershock | Dix/This paper |
| 1898 12 02 | 10:35 | -35.1 | 138.9 | 2.5 | Mt Barker | This paper |
1899
Minor damage was reported in Robe after a moderate magnitude 5.2 earthquake offshore Robe on 2 May, an aftershock of the Kingston earthquake of 10 May 1897. At Beltana in the far North, a moderate sized earthquake on 2 July damaged plaster ceilings and caused cracks in walls. Quite an active aftershock sequence rattled the citizens of Beltana for weeks and caused some alarm. Of some interest is a supposed earthquake near Warooka on Yorke Peninsula on 17 April. It was an active year with 24 earthquakes located, 3 of them aftershocks of the 1897 Kingston earthquake in the vicinity of Kingston and Robe. There were no events reported in June or December.
1899 01 29 morning, Kingston
Adelaide Observer (SA : 1843 – 1904), Saturday 4 February 1899, page 31
KINGSTON, January 25.—On Sunday, during the morning service, a low rumble of earthquake was heard. The congregations, fortunately, were not alarmed, thinking it was only a passing vehicle. Rumbles, however, are few and far between.
1899 02 24 at 13:25, Petersburg
South Australian Register (Adelaide, SA : 1839 – 1900), Tuesday 28 February 1899, page 7
PETERSBURG, February 25.— A distinct shock of earthquake was experienced last night a few minutes before 11. It was accompanied by a rumbling noise like thunder. It passed over in a few seconds.
1899 02 26 nighttime, Petersburg
Petersburg Times (SA : 1887 – 1919), Friday 3 March 1899, page 5
A distinct shock of earthquake at Petersburg on Sunday night, lasting for a few seconds.
1899 03 15 at 20:20 UTC, Jamestown
Adelaide Observer (SA : 1843 – 1904), Saturday 25 March 1899, page 6
JAMESTOWN, March 16.—This morning a distinct shock of earthquake was felt at about ten minutes to 6.
1899 03 23 at 11:30 UTC, Tarcowie
South Australian Register (Adelaide, SA : 1839 – 1900), Tuesday 28 March 1899, page 7
TARCOWIE, March 27.—A shock of earthquake was felt here about 9 o’clock last Thursday night.
1899 04 12 at 20:30 UTC, Belton
Adelaide Observer (SA : 1843 – 1904), Saturday 22 April 1899, page 22
BELTON, April 18.—On Thursday morning a slight shock of earthquake was felt at 6 a.m.
1899 04 16 at 23:55 UTC, Point Souttar/ Warooka, Yorke Peninsula
Adelaide Observer (SA : 1843 – 1904), Saturday 22 April 1899, page 27
WAS IT AN EARTHQUAKE?
A correspondent writes:—”At about 9.25 on Monday morning, April 17, ‘something’ came our way, but we don’t quite know what. We are on Section 92, Hundred of Para Wurlie, and opinions are divided as to what happened. I was talking to one of the station hands in an open yard, and we both thought there was rumble of thunder in the nor’-west. My young brother, who was working in a building close by, ran out quite scared, and asked if we heard the earthquake. He said the tools, chains, &c., in the building moved about, and the walls shook, and he distinctly heard a sound as if the southern wall was struck a hard blow. The lady of the house was in the kitchen, and wondered why the crockery, &c, rattled. The domestic was in the washhouse, and was so frightened when the pots and pans shifted about that she almost jumped into the washtub. Now, it is strange that the shock was severe in the outbuilding and washhouse, slight in the kitchen, and un-noticeable in the yard. My brother thought the quake went south-east to north-west. Later on we learned that our neighbours, who live on Section 91, but were working on Section 47, burning and ploughing, distinctly felt the shock. Those who were burning were rendered giddy and sick. The ploughman said the plough was thrown out of the ground twice. The housekeeper at the house on Section 91 was quite upset by the shock, and felt sick and ill for some time afterwards. But all these people think the shock came from north-west and went towards south-east—the very opposite to what my brother thinks. Sections 91 and 47 are south-east of Section 92, all in Hundred of Para Wurlie. But was it earthquake, thunder, or what?”
Pioneer (Yorketown, SA : 1898 – 1954), Friday 21 April 1899, page 3
WAROOKA ITEMS.
April 20.
Three distinct earthquake tremors were heard during the week and caused some excitement whilst they lasted. The folks were speculating whether a repetition of the Kingston shocks were to be experienced, but fortunately it passed away. Many and various causes have been given, one even supposing it was some highly explosive material going off down the lower end..…
South Australian Register (Adelaide, SA : 1839 – 1900), Friday 21 April 1899, page 7
PORT ELLIOT, April 19.— On Monday night, between 10 and 11 o’clock, several residents thought they felt a slight earth tremor, and it was remarked last week that the sea had on on two or three occasions the peculiar appearance which was noticed when the severe shock did so much damage about two years ago.
1899 04 30 at 12:45 UTC Quorn
Chronicle (Adelaide, SA : 1895 – 1954), Saturday 6 May 1899, page 14
QUORN. An earthquake shock was experienced here on Sunday night at about a quarter past 10 o’clock. The weather of late has been very changeable, but no rain has fallen.
1899 05 02 at 03:30 UTC, Robe
Border Watch (Mount Gambier, SA : 1861 – 1954), Wednesday 10 May 1899, page 3
BEACHPORT.
We had a fairly strong earth tremor last Tuesday. It was quite strong enough to make those who were inside prepare to make a hasty exit, but fortunately it did not last long. The windows and doors rattled and crockery and ornaments wobbled a bit, but no damage was done. Being so near the anniversary of the first one, it made people think we were in for another of the same sort. This last tremor was strong enough, and if the feelings of the residents were considered by Mother Earth, she would keep these frivolities in the climes where they are wont to be, and not in these peace and quiet loving latitudes.
Border Watch (Mount Gambier, SA : 1861 – 1954), Wednesday 3 May 1899, page 2
Shock of Earthquake. —What is believed to have been a slight shock of earthquake was felt by a number of people at Mount Gambier a few minutes before one o’clock p.m., yesterday. It was nothing more than a tremor, and lasted only a few seconds. It was felt at Beachport, Robe, Kingston, and Meningie.
South Australian Register (Adelaide, SA : 1839 – 1900), Friday 5 May 1899, page 7
MOUNT GAMBIER, May 2.—A slight shock of earthquake is believed to have been felt here by a number of persons a few minutes before 1 o’clock this afternoon. It lasted only a few seconds, and was a mere tremor.
Mount Barker Courier and Onkaparinga and Gumeracha Advertiser (SA : 1880 – 1954), Friday 5 May 1899, page 2
East Wellington, May 2.
To-day at 1 o’clock a very distinct earth-quake shock was felt here by many of the residents.
Millicent Times (SA : 1891 – 1905), Saturday 6 May 1899, page 4
AN EARTHQUAKE.—On Tuesday, May 2, and, within a few days of two years since the first great shock, an earthquake was felt in Millicent. It occurred at a few minutes after one. The shock was slight though it appears to have spread over a wide area, being felt with more severity at Robe and Kingston.
BEACHPORT, May 8.
We had a slight shock of earthquake about 1 p.m. on Tuesday. It was not very severe, but just strong enough to make people remember the shock of two years ago.
Border Watch (Mount Gambier, SA : 1861 – 1954), Wednesday 10 May 1899, page 3
KINGSTON.
May 6.
A sharp shock of earthquake was felt at 1 o’clock p.m. on Tuesday. Several minor tremors have been felt of late, but that on Tuesday was pretty severe, causing people to rush out of houses. No damage was done beyond the shaking down of a little plaster. It is now within a few days of two years since we had the big shock which did so much damage to property, and their continued occurrence is trying to our nerves.
Figure 28 Isoseismal map of the earthquake offshore Robe on 01 May 1899 at 1a.m. CST. The red ‘3’ is a report at Carew, added 25 years after the map was compiled (McCue, 1996).
Advertiser (Adelaide, SA : 1889 – 1931), Wednesday 10 May 1899, page 6
MENINGIE, May 2.
To-day at 1 o’clock a sharp shock of earthquake was felt here. It lasted a few seconds, and appeared to be travelling from south to north. No damage is reported.
Chronicle (Adelaide, SA : 1895 – 1954), Saturday 13 May 1899, page 22
EARTHQUAKE IN THE SOUTH-EAST.
Robe, May 3.
A severe shock of earthquake was experienced here yesterday at 1 o’clock. It seemed to travel in the usual direction— from north-west to south-east— and caused considerable consternation, many people rushing out of doors. It violently rattled all movable objects, and made the walls vibrate. Plastering is reported to have fallen in some dwellings. This is the first shock of any importance we have felt since Easter Monday, last year.
NARRACOORTE, May 5.
About 1 o’clock on Tuesday a slight earth tremor was felt here. It seemed to travel from the direction of the coast.
BEACHPORT, May 6.
An earthquake occurred this week. The shock was fairly severe, causing plaster to fall in the post-office building.
South Australian Register (Adelaide, SA : 1839 – 1900), Wednesday 3 May 1899, page 5
EARTHQUAKES IN THE SOUTH-EAST. SEVERE SHOCKS.
On Tuesday afternoon our Kingston correspondent telegraphed:—”A smart shock of earthquake occurred here at 1 o’clock this afternoon. No damage was done.”
The following messages were also received by the Postmaster-General early in the afternoon:
WELLINGTON.—Had sharp shock earthquake at 1 p.m. to-day; seemed travelling from the south. No damage here.
ROBE—At 12.57 a sharp shock of earth-quake from southward, with a loud report. No damage.
KINGSTON.—Very severe shock earth-quake here at 1 p.m., lasting about 5 sec; apparently travelling from south-west to north-east. No damage. Mount Gambier and Beachport also telegraphed that shocks had been felt, but no damage done.
ROBE. 2.45 p.m.— An extremely severe shock of earthquake occurred at 12.57 to day. It commenced like the original shock with thundering in the distance, and as it grew nearer it shook everything with great force. People ran into the streets, expecting a repetition of the shock of two years ago, but it gradually passed off. No damage w reported beyond the usual falling of plaster.
Border Watch (Mount Gambier, SA : 1861 – 1954), Wednesday 10 May 1899, page 4
ROBE. May 8.
Surprise and consternation reigned supreme in many houses yesterday at 1 o’clock, when we were visited by a severe earthquake shock. Coming along with very little warning it sounded like the report of a large gun, and many a dinner-table was suddenly vacated. It produced considerable rattling among furniture and any movable objects, and walls could be distinctly seen vibrating, while in some cases plastering is reported to have fallen. We have not experienced so severe a shook since Easter Monday last year. The weather at the time was very rough and boisterous, and quite unlike what is locally termed “earthquake weather.” Many residents have been expecting minor tremors since, but nothing to further disturb our equilibrium has occurred.
Chronicle (Adelaide, SA : 1895 – 1954), Saturday 13 May 1899, page 12
MILLICENT, May 6. A slight shock of earthquake was experienced here at about 1 p.m. on Tuesday last. The tremor, though slight, was felt and heard all over the district.
Narracoorte Herald (SA : 1875 – 1954), Friday 12 May 1899, page 4
CAREW: May 5:
On Tuesday at 1 o’clock a slight shock of earthquake was felt, travelling from a westerly to an easterly direction.
Advertiser (Adelaide, SA : 1889 – 1931), Wednesday 10 May 1899, page 6
MENINGIE, May 2.
To-day at 1 o’clock a sharp shock of earthquake was felt here. It lasted a few seconds, and appeared to be travelling from south to north. No damage is reported.
Mount Barker Courier and Onkaparinga and Gumeracha Advertiser (SA : 1880 – 1954), Friday 5 May 1899, page 2
East Wellington, May 2.
To-day at 1 o’clock a very distinct earthquake shock was felt here by many of the residents.
1899 05 04 at 14:00 UTC, Melrose
Laura Standard (SA : 1889 – 1917), Friday 12 May 1899, page 3
MELROSE.
May 9th, 1899.
An earthquake shock was felt here last Thursday evening about 11.30 p.m., the rumbling being very loud.
1899 07 02 at 14:00 UTC, Beltana and 4 aftershocks
Chronicle (Adelaide, SA : 1895 – 1954), Saturday 15 July 1899, page 27
EARTHQUAKE SHOCK AT BELTANA. Beltana, July 4.
The residents of Beltana were startled on Sunday night by a severe shock of earthquake. At half-past 11 a report similar to a dynamite explosion was heard, followed by a rumbling sound lasting for several seconds. This was succeeded immediately afterwards by four light shocks. Doors and windows rattled, and plaster fell from many of the buildings, giving the residents a great scare.
Chronicle (Adelaide, SA : 1895 – 1954), Saturday 1 July 1899, page 19
Umberatana, June 4.
The blacks have a legend that there is an immense snake in the western end of the range, and that long ago he drank the fresh waters of Lake Frome, leaving only the salt water there. Only his tail then rested on the range, but now he has crawled inside, and all the earth tremors of the neighborhood are attributed to his twistings and turnings in the body of the hills.
1899 07 11 at 01:18 UTC, Beltana
South Australian Register (Adelaide, SA : 1839 – 1900), Friday 14 July 1899, page 7
BELTANA, July 11.— Since the severe earthquake which occurred on the second of the month, and caused in some houses the plaster to fall and the walls to crack, we have had several slighter ones. This morning, at twelve minutes to 11, there was another distinct shock.
1899 07 16 at 16:05 UTC, Beltana
South Australian Register (Adelaide, SA : 1839 – 1900), Wednesday 19 July 1899, page 3
BELTANA, July 17.— There was another earthquake this morning, which awoke sleepers. It occurred at 1.35.
1899 07 28 through day Beltana 5 aftershocks
Advertiser (Adelaide, SA : 1889 – 1931), Wednesday 2 August 1899, page 6
EARTHQUAKE SHOCKS AT BELTANA.
Beltana, July 31.
The residents of Beltana are becoming somewhat alarmed at the frequent shocks of earthquake that are being experienced. On Friday no fewer than five distinct shocks occurred, several being very sharp. They lasted but a few seconds, and were accompanied by a report similar to a thunderclap. Slight earth tremors have been quite frequent since the first severe shock on July 2.
1899 08 10 morning, Kingston
1899 08 13 at 23:35 UTC Kingston
Adelaide Observer (SA : 1843 – 1904), Saturday 26 August 1899, page 9
KINGSTON, Monday August 14. — On Friday morning a distinct shock of earthquake awoke the echoes. On Sunday evening, at five minutes past 9, a severe shock was again felt. It rumbled considerably, and caused timorous residents to run outside their dwellings.
Narracoorte Herald (SA : 1875 – 1954), Friday 18 August 1899, page 4
CAREW, August 15.
Sunday night there was a slight earth tremor at nine o’clock no damage being done, although the iron roofs rattled a little.
Mount Barker Courier and Onkaparinga and Gumeracha Advertiser (SA : 1880 – 1954), Friday 4 August 1899, page 3
Jupiter Creek, August 2.
Several very distinct earth tremors or tremblings have been experienced recently, giving rise to some interesting ‘speculation as to the chances in favor of a friendly, volcanic eruption, which might strew the surface of the surrounding country with some of the wealth which is believed to lie hidden in its fastnesses, but though this procedure might prove of great advantage to the diggers at present engaged at remote portions of the hemisphere the feelings of the majority employed on the spot seems to incline towards a continuance of the good old fashioned, and possibly safer, practice or the digger having to go down to the gold rather than the gold coming after the digger.
1899 08 21 at 23:30 UTC, Forest Range
Mount Barker Courier and Onkaparinga and Gumeracha Advertiser (SA : 1880 – 1954), Friday 1 September 1899, page 3
Forest Range, Tuesday August 29.
On Tuesday last, at about 9 a.m., what seemed very like an earthquake shock was felt here, the windows and doors rattling together with a rumbling noise. It appeared to be travelling southwards.
1899 08 24 at 05:30 UTC, Bendleby
Chronicle (Adelaide, SA : 1895 – 1954), Saturday 30 September 1899, page 27
EARTHQUAKE AT BENDLEBY.
Bendleby, September 25.
A severe earth shock was felt here at about 3 o’clock yesterday afternoon. it resembled a heavy peal of thunder, and lasted several seconds. It was the heaviest shock experienced here for many years, and appeared to be travelling from south to north. The weather is sultry, and rain is threatening.
Advertiser (Adelaide, SA : 1889 – 1931), Saturday 30 September 1899, page 8
CARRIETON, September 27. A shock of earthquake was felt here on Sunday afternoon at about 3 o’clock. It appeared to be travelling in a north-westerly direction.
Adelaide Observer (SA : 1843 – 1904), Saturday 30 September 1899, page 11
BENDLEBY, September 25.—A sharp shock of earthquake passed over here about 3 o’clock yesterday afternoon, and appeared to be travelling from north to south. Roofs of buildings and iron tanks clattered, and the vibration lasted several seconds.
Chronicle (Adelaide, SA : 1895 – 1954), Saturday 30 September 1899, page 27
EARTHQUAKE AT BENDLEBY.
Bendleby, September 25.
A severe earth shock was felt here at about 3 o’clock yesterday afternoon. it resembled a heavy peal of thunder, and lasted several seconds. It was the heaviest shock experienced here for many years, and appeared to be travelling from south to north. The weather is sultry, and rain is threatening.
1899 09 24 at 05:30 UTC, Bendleby
Adelaide Observer (SA : 1843 – 1904), Saturday 30 September 1899, page 11
BENDLEBY, September 25.—A sharp shock of earthquake passed over here about 3 o’clock yesterday afternoon, and appeared to be travelling from north to south. Roofs of buildings and iron tanks clattered, and the vibration lasted several seconds.
Advertiser (Adelaide, SA : 1889 – 1931), Saturday 30 September 1899, page 8
CARRIETON, September 27. A shock of earthquake was felt here on Sunday afternoon at about 3 o’clock. It appeared to be travelling in a north-wester-ly direction.
1899 10 10 at 13:41 UTC, Yongala
South Australian Register (Adelaide, SA : 1839 – 1900), Thursday 12 October 1899, page 6
YONGALA, October 11..— A sharp shock of earthquake was felt here last night at 11.11, apparently travelling from north-west to south-east. The buildings were much shaken, and many people were scared for the moment.
Chronicle (Adelaide, SA : 1895 – 1954), Saturday 11 November 1899, page 16
EARTHQUAKE SHOCKS IN THE NORTH.
Walloway, November 3.
This is the second earth tremor experienced here within a month, a sharp shock having taken place on October 10.
1899 10 21 at 09:25 UTC, Riverton
Chronicle (Adelaide, SA : 1895 – 1954), Saturday 28 October 1899, page 16
AN EARTHQUAKE SHOCK.
Riverton, October 22.
A sharp earthquake shock, accompanied by a loud report, and a rumbling noise, was felt last evening, a few minutes before 7 o’clock. Apparently it was travelling in a south-east direction.
1899 11 02 at 20:15 UTC, Petersburg
Chronicle (Adelaide, SA : 1895 – 1954), Saturday 11 November 1899, page 16
EARTHQUAKE SHOCKS IN THE NORTH.
Walloway, November 3.
This morning, at a quarter to 6 o’clock, an earthquake occurred. It appeared to be travelling from west to east. Windows and doors were rattled. Yongala, November 3. A severe shock of earthquake was felt here this morning at about 5.45 a.m., apparently travelling from west to east. Many people were awakened, and buildings were severely shaken, windows being rattled for quite a minute. This is the second earth tremor experienced here within a month, a sharp shock having taken place on October 10.
Areas’ Express (Booyoolee, SA : 1877 – 1948), Friday 3 November 1899, page 2
Gladstone, Friday November 3, 1899
There was a distinct shock of earthquake at 4.45 this morning travelling from south to north.
Advertiser (Adelaide, SA : 1889 – 1931), Saturday 4 November 1899, page 6
The stationmaster at Orroroo has reported to the Postmaster-General (Sir C. Todd) that a shock of earthquake which lasted about 10 seconds occurred at that place at 5.36 on Friday morning. The Yongala stationmaster also reported that an earth shock was felt there at 5.15 a.m. Later in the day the post and telegraph master at Eurelia reported—”Distinct shock earthquake felt 5.40 this morning, shaking station building; apparently travelling north-west to south-east;” and the Carrieton officer sent the following message to Sir Charles Todd:—”Distinct earthshock at 5.38 this morning, lasting about 10 seconds.”
Southern Cross (Adelaide, SA : 1889 – 1954), Friday 10 November 1899, page 6
PETERSBURG, November 7.
About half-past 5 o’clock on Friday morning the people were awakened from their slumber by a loud rumbling, followed by a terrific shock of earthquake. Chinaware was rattled from side to side, windows and doors creaked, walls were rent, showing that a terrible commotion was going on within the bowels of the earth. It travelled from east to west, and will long be remembered by those who were out of bed at the time.
Figure 29 Earthquake magnitude 4.3 near Petersburg on 11 November 1899
Adelaide Observer (SA : 1843 – 1904), Saturday 11 November 1899, page 13
EARTHSHOCKS.
YONGALA, November 3.
An earthquake shock was experienced at quarter to 6 this morning. Apparently it travelled from north-west to south-east. The shock was preceded by a rumbling noise, and lasted about half a minute, during which time windows and doors rattled, and moveable objects were seen to oscillate. This is the second earthquake within a month. The last one, which occurred on October 10, was more sharp but very short.
MOUNT BRYAN EAST, November 1.
At half-past 5 this morning a sharp shock of earthquake occurred, and lasted eight or nine seconds. The house shook, crockery jingled, and unfastened doors opened and shut.
JOHNSBURG. November 4.
At half-past 5 yesterday morning a severe shock of earthquake was experienced. Houses were shaken considerably for several seconds. The shock seemed to be travelling from north-west to south-east.
Chronicle (Adelaide, SA : 1895 – 1954), Saturday 11 November 1899, page 4
The stationmaster at Orroroo has reported to the Postmaster-General (Sir C. Todd) that a shock of earthquake which lasted about 10 seconds occurred at that place at 5.36 on Friday week. The Yongala stationmaster also reported that an earth shock was felt there at 5.15 a.m. Later in the day the post and telegraph master at Eurelia reported— “Distinct shock earthquake felt 5.40 this morning, shaking station building; apparently travelling north-west to south-east;” and the Carrieton officer sent the following message to Sir Charles Todd:— “Distinct earthshock at 5.38 this morning, lasting about 10 seconds.”
Southern Cross (Adelaide, SA : 1889 – 1954), Friday 10 November 1899, page 6
PETERSBURG, November 7.
About half-past 5 o’clock on Friday morning the people were awakened from their slumber by a loud rumbling, followed by a terrific shock of earthquake. Chinaware was rattled from side to side, windows and doors creaked, walls were rent, showing that a terrible commotion was going on within the bowels of the earth. It travelled from east to west, and will long be remembered by those who were out of bed at the time.
Adelaide Observer (SA : 1843 – 1904), Saturday 11 November 1899, page 12
DAWSON, November 5.—A severe shock ot earthquake was felt here on Friday morning about 5.30.
Adelaide Observer (SA : 1843 – 1904), Saturday 18 November 1899, page 11
COOMOOROO, November 6.—A shock of earthquake was felt here on Friday morning at about a quarter to 6. It lasted for several seconds, and was very distinct. No damage was done.
Areas’ Express (Booyoolee, SA : 1877 – 1948), Friday 3 November 1899, page 2
Gladstone, Friday November 3, 1899
There was a distinct shock of earthquake at 4.45 this morning travelling from south to north.
1899 11 11 at 19:30 UTC, 11 12 at 11:30 UTC, and 11 12 at 16:30 UTC, Sutherlands
Adelaide Observer (SA : 1843 – 1904), Saturday 18 November 1899, page 12
EARTHQUAKE SHOCKS.
SUTHERLANDS, November 13.
Yesterday, during the night, several distinct shocks of earthquake were experienced, one about 5 o’clock in the morning, another at about 9 o’clock p.m., and another again about 2 o’clock this morning. The first one was rather severe, and seemed to sway the houses. It awakened the inmates, and when the second occurred several people were sitting outside, and could hear the wire fence rattle, and see the shadows of the posts moving in the moonlight.
| Date | Time | Lat | Long | Mag | Place | Reference |
| 1899 01 29 | – | -36.8 | 139.7 | 2.5 | Kingston | This paper |
| 1899 02 24 | 13:25 | -33.0 | 138.8 | 3.0 | Petersburg | This paper |
| 1899 02 26 | – | -33.0 | 138.8 | 3.0 | Petersburg | This paper |
| 1899 03 15 | 20:20 | -33.2 | 138.6 | 2.5 | Jamestown | This paper |
| 1899 03 23 | 11:30 | -33.0 | 138.5 | 2.5 | Tarcowie | This paper |
| 1899 04 12 | 20:30 | -32.3 | 138.6 | 2.5 | Belton | This paper |
| 1899 04 16 | 23:55 | -34.9 | 137.3 | 3.0 | Point Souttar, Warooka | Dix/This paper |
| 1899 04 30 | 12:45 | -37.3 | 139.75 | 3.0 | Robe | This paper |
| 1899 05 02 | 03:30 | -37.3 | 139.75 | 5.2 | Robe aftershock | McCue 1996, Dix |
| 1899 05 04 | 14:00 | -32.8 | 138.2 | 3.0 | Melrose | This paper |
| 1899 07 02 | 14:00 | -30.8 | 138.4 | 4.2 | Beltana 4 aftershocks | Dix/This paper |
| 1899 07 11 | 01:18 | -30.8 | 138.4 | 3.0 | Beltana | This paper |
| 1899 07 16 | 16:05 | -30.8 | 138.4 | 3.0 | Beltana | This paper |
| 1899 07 28 | 04:45 | -30.8 | 138.4 | 2.5 | Beltana 5 aftershocks | Dix/This paper |
| 1899 08 10 | 21:30 | -36.8 | 139.7 | 2.5 | Kingston aftershock | Dix/This paper |
| 1899 08 13 | 23:35 | -36.8 | 139.7 | 3.5 | Kingston aftershock | Dix/This paper |
| 1899 08 21 | 23:30 | -34.9 | 138.8 | 2.5 | Forest Range | This paper |
| 1899 08 24 | 05:30 | -32.3 | 138.6 | 3.2 | Bendleby | This paper |
| 1899 10 10 | 13:41 | -32.8 | 138.6 | 3.2 | Yongala | Dix/This paper |
| 1899 10 21 | 09:25 | -34.2 | 138.75 | 3.0 | Riverton | This paper |
| 1899 11 02 | 20:15 | -32.96 | 138.73 | 4.3 | Petersburg | Dix/This paper |
| 1899 11 11 | 19:30 | -34.2 | 139.2 | 3.0 | Sutherlands | This paper |
| 1899 11 12 | 11:30 | -34.2 | 139.2 | 2.5 | Sutherlands | This paper |
| 1899 11 12 | 16:30 | -34.2 | 139.2 | 2.5 | Sutherlands | This paper |