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1931 Napier Earthquake (1965)

A New Zealand Film Unit Production... On the morning of February 3, 1931, an earthquake measuring 7.9 on the Richter scale struck the Hawkes Bay area causing extensive damage in Napier, Hastings and surroundings. The scenes of devastation in this film were probably filmed the day after the 'quake as the completed (silent) film was examined by the Film Censor on February 5, 1931. Courtesy Archives New Zealand.