[?]S Rabaul Area

Subsiding?

From a Special Correspondent

Rabaul, Nov. 6.

)N November 5, in the early after noon, a series of waves appeared ) enter Rabaul Harbour; and water )se over the retaining walls, and x>ded the Burns Philp bulk store, be ind the main establishment, to a spth of eight or nine inches. Similar codings were reported elsewhere ong the waterfront. It is believed tat these were tidal waves, from the eat submarine disturbance reported the Northern Pacific a couple of lys before.

This occurrence directs attention to hat may be a serious phenomenon, Fecting the town of Rabaul.

There seems to be no doubt that i water along the harbour foreshores now about three feet higher than it is before World War 11. This is oved by marks on the foreshores ar the town; and that it is general also suggested by markings at the alaguna side of the port.

This harbour-bed is subject to big owing to the proximity of s volcanoes. But such movements >uld not account for the higher sea fel. It seems to be indicated that 2 whole area on which the town is uated, and around the port, is sub ling.

As this tidal wave flooding indi tes, the port water level is much arer the top of the embankments m it was 10 or 15 years ago.

It may be a false alarm: but there ;s seem to be something here which Is for examination and explanation experts.

Effect In West Samoa

\ tidal wave from the great North dfic earthquake caused disturbance Apia Bay, West Samoa, in the ernoon of November 4. The °on emptied, exposing coral reefs, wrecks, etc. Then the sea surged :k, foaming over the breakwater i flooding low-lying areas along the eshore. Four times the water ved back and forth, depositing •ris on the waterfront road and ering portions of the main wharf, all coastal craft dragged their ;hors. Little damage was done.

Hr. Richard Paris, superintendent stations for Hawaiian Airlines, i in New Zealand in October to l^ er . ."'dh New Zealand airline horities “on operational proced s and matters of common inter-