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Read about Darfield High School's sculpture activity planned for Monday

Recollection of Inangahua earthquake - by Council Chair, Alison McAlpine 

"In dire times it is useful to recall funny incidents.

I was a newly married young teacher living in Murchison in 1968 and trying to master the required domestic challenges popular at that time.

I was very proud of about 30 quart jars of preserved fruit (not for eating) as they made a significant display on my two laundry shelves which were also near the back entry to our Education Board house.  They were also visual testimony to my newly acquired kitchen skills!

We were 20 km away from the epicenter of the Inangahua quake - also 7.1 on the richter scale.  In the dark I established that every jar was shattered on the floor, but much of the fruit was stuck on the ceiling having hit the floor and been jet-propelled upwards. 

It was most uncanny having an apricot or pear hitting you on the head...or raining down when you least expected it.  Needless to say I gave up preserving fruit after that!"