One of the harbour fleet visited Mason's Bay with a live stock consignment for the pastoral run lately occupied in that neighbourhood.
She proceeded by way of the straits and Cod Fish Island.
The master, being well acquainted with all the landmarks, was puzzled to reconcile them with previous experience.
Getting down towards the west coast headlands that difference became more and more apparent.
As a matter of fact, certain of the more prominent landmarks had in a measure been wiped out altogether.
The only feasible explanation is that earthquakes, which were slightly felt at the Bluff and elsewhere a few days since, operated at this place with a force and effect not pleasant to contemplate.
It may, on fuller inquiries, be found that the story admits of modification.
The residents on the east side of the island certainly know nothing about a rude shake, and no one is known to have been on the west side.
• It is said that a resident of Ashburton (says the Mail) who has been losing a good deal of his firewood of late, hit upon a plan to discover the culprit.
He bought a pound of blasting powder, of which, with the aid of an auger, he inserted small charges in several pieces of the wood, which had been already sawn up in lengths and split for use.
As a sequel to this, he heard several explosions in one of his neighbour's houses the next evening.
Of course, as a kind man and a fair average Christian, the wood's original owner was pleased to learn afterwards that none of the inmates of his neighbour's house had been injured; but it is believed that there was a certain obliqueness in the sympathy with which he heard of the stove being considerably shattered.
• The Christchurch Automobile Club is planning a motor trip to Mount Cook for the Christmas holidays.
It is stated that 120 people will travel in motor cars, and stay two days and two nights at the Hermitage.
It is stated that accommodation at the Hermitage is almost fully booked for the Christmas and New Year holidays. - ODT, 29.11.1909.
