September 19, 1902 Earthquake: Warooka, Australia

There was scarcely a house in the metropolitan area which did not give some indication of the severity of the earth tremor; but, fortunately, the injuries in most cases were confined to ceilings, wall plaster, and chimneys. In many instances the walls of old or ill-constructed dwellings were more or less extensively cracked, and wherever defective plaster had been used the shock brought it down. In some localities the buildings suffered more than others; but, generally speaking, the damage done to masonry was not so serious as many persons feared it would be. In numerous warehouses and shops stock was injured by showcases and other articles being overthrown; and in several private residences in the city book-cases, overmantels, and ornaments were thrown down by the tremor. Mr. W. T. Flint's son had a narrow escape. He was engaged in his father's warehouse, Hindley street, when the shock occurred, and before he could realize what had happened a large box of chisels was shaken from one of the filings and crashed on to the floor beside him. One corner of the box just grazed him. One corner of the box grazed his shoulder. Mr. McGann, the photographer, found when he went to his shop on Saturday that several valuable negatives had been broken. In a house at Goodwood a large quantity of plaster fell from the ceiling in a bedroom on the pillows of the bed beneath. Fortunately, no one was in the room at the time. (reference #14314)

No fewer than five earthquake shocks have been felt in the district of Dudley. The first occurred at about 8 p.m. on Friday, September 19, and it seems to have been the severest. Two other shocks were felt during the next two hours. One followed about 4 a.m., September 20, and a slight one was experienced at about 8 p.m. on Sunday. Friday's shock was preceded by a tremendous noise on the south coast, which was caused, so it is inferred from the numerous accounts received, by a tremendous seawave rushing with great force on the south coast. Mr. Antoine Ebert says the sea was terrific. The people rushed out of their houses and the women screamed and fainted. Mr. E. S. Bates, who was visiting Mr. McArthur, at Grassy Flat, describes the first shock as follows:, "We were talking when we heard the windows begin to rattle and the noise increased in force. Then noises were heard above. The walls began to rock and the floor to heave. We rushed out of the door and could see the house moving about in the light of the moon, which was blood-red in color. The eucalyptus and other trees swayed so violently that the birds flew out, uttering cries of fear, which added greatly to the awfulness of the moment." This shock lasted about five minutes, and appeared to travel from north-east to south-west, but people do not agree upon that point. Many persons refused to enter their houses on Friday night, and slept outside. Queenscliffe (K.I.), September 22. The residents of Kangaroo Island experienced the worst earthquake shock that has ever been felt on this island on Friday night at five minutes past 8 o'clock. It appeared to came from the south-west, and sounded like the rumble of a waggon. Many of the houses were cracked and otherwise were damaged. Ornaments on mantelpieces fell, and many women are ill from the effects of the shock. There was another slight shock on Saturday evening at ten minutes past 7 o'clock. Captain Littlely, of the ketch Young Foster, experienced the shock out at sea on Friday night while sailing near the Horseshoe. Those on board thought the boat had struck a rock, so put farther out to sea. All day Saturday reports like those of distant guns were heard to the south- west of the island. (reference #14315)