Earthquake 1841 Wanganui
Trans. of the NZ Institute 1891: On Earthquakes in the
Vicinity of Wanganui by H. C. FIELD

H. C. FIELD: "...it occurred about midday; and persons who
experienced it have often assured me that they were not only
thrown down, but they had to lay hold of the fern and grass to
prevent themselves from being rolled about on the ground. No
damage, however, appears to have been done, probably because
there was nothing easily damaged."