Earthquake New Plymouth 23 Jan 1853
History of Taranaki by Benjamin WELLS; also an index compiled
by H. D. MULLON

"On the 23rd, at 9.15pm, a severe earthquake occurred, which did
much damage to chimneys and sandstone buildings. On the same day
William HOLLOWAY, in endeavouring to catch a goat, fell over a
cliff at Omata and was killed. On the 25th the ship 'Josephine
Willis', Capt. CANNEY, arrived from London, and reported having
felt the shock of earthquake at sea."