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The day the ground shook

One minute of violent shaking that changed the face of Hawke’s Bay will be remembered in Hastings next month.

A service to commemorate the 85th anniversary of the Hawke’s Bay Earthquake will be held at the Hastings Clock Tower at 10.23am on Wednesday, February 3.

The service will include an address by Hastings Mayor Lawrence Yule and prayers will be said by the Bishop of Waiapu, The Right Reverend Andrew Hedge. Local author and historian, Michael Fowler will speak about the devastating effects of the quake and survivors will be invited to accompany the Mayor in laying a wreath at the clock tower.

The beginning of the service will be marked by pipe, who will walk to the central mall from each end of the CBD while the bell in the clock tower will ring out at 10.46am, the time that the quake struck.

The massive earthquake which struck on February 3rd 1931, is the single greatest natural disaster in the region’s recorded history. 93 lives were lost in Hastings, buildings collapsed, fires broke out and roads were destroyed.

Mayor Lawrence Yule says “The 1931 earthquake demolished much of the Hastings town centre. The past 85 years has brought many changes, but we will never forget the day when the bricks and mortar of our city fell. Our citizens united at that time with a determination to rebuild the city and that determination to succeed lives on today.”

Lawrence Yule says “Out of the loss and devastation which came to the city on that fateful day in 1931 came new growth, a strengthening of community spirit and the rebuild which produced a whole new look to our CBD.”

“It is fitting that we will again gather to remember those who lost their lives and those whose lives were changed forever as a result of the Hawke’s Bay earthquake,”

Hastings and Napier were rebuilt in Spanish Mission and Art Deco-style following the quake and in recognition of the era, steam engines and vintage cars will roll into town and be on display in and around the mall.

Survivors, families of survivors and all Hastings residents are invited to attend the earthquake commemoration service.

Further information on the Earthquake Commemoration Service is available here

4 October 2017

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