Curias at Rabaul
p. 74 · Read in the full issue
Rabaul, July 12.
PROBABLY the severest gurias (earth tremors) ever felt at Rabaul, New Guinea, were experienced on the after noon of July 8. Tremors were reported to have been felt over a radius of 30 miles.
Preceded by a rumbling noise, similar to thunder, five separate shocks disturbed the capital. Each lasted for a few seconds and was followed by sustained swaying movement.
No material damage was done, except for shattered crockery and broken house hold effects. Motor cars parked outside commercial buildings moved backwards and forwards. In one of the clubs mem bers ceased playing billiards and watched the balls careering up and down the tables, rebounding queerly off the cushions.
Mr. R. D. Frisbie, who has lived for 15 years as the only white man on the lonely island of Puka Puka, in the Cook Group, arrived at Apia, Western Samoa by the Makoa on June 17. After a short stay on Samoa, he departed for America via Van couver by the Sheafholme. Mr. Frisbie is the author of a book on the South Seas and of numerous magazine and newspaper articles dealing with Polynesia.