Earthquake 8 Aug 1878
Reported in the New Zealand Mail 10 Aug 1878 page 15 column d

Wanganui
A severe earthquake was felt here at 7.53 this morning. The
shaking commenced at the same time as the rumbling noise was
heard. The duration was about thirty seconds, and the direction
was about NW and SE. The motion was quite dissimilar to any felt
here before, being quick and jerky.

Palmerston North
We had two short shocks of earthquake in rapid succession at
eight o'clock this morning, running from north to south. No
damage was done to anything, except perhaps some crockery.

Masterton
A sharp shock of earthquake, accompanied by a noise, occurred
this morning. It lasted about half a minute. The direction was
north-west to south-west (sic).

Foxton
A heavy shock of earthquake occurred here this morning at 7.52;
it lasted forty seconds. The direction was from east to west.

Turakina
A shock of earthquake was severely felt here at 7.53am today.
The shake was distinctly felt on a railway engine while in
motion at the Turakina Station.

Napier
A sharp shock of earthquake was felt here this morning at 7.55.

Hawera
A smart shock of earthquake was experienced here this morning
at 7.53. It lasted about thirty seconds. The movement appeared
to be NE and SW.

Wellington
A somewhat sharp shock of earthquake was felt on Thursday
morning about 8 o'clock. By reference to our telegrams it will
be seen that the shock was felt in various other districts, but
it appears to have done no material damage anywhere.