Studies focus on 1931 earthquake

Torrie Douglas-Garrett and Issac Bennett are part of a Year 3 and 4 class at Hastings Central School helping to build an earthquake shelter, after learning about the 1931 disaster. Photo / Duncan Brown

Rumbles and shaking may have been imaginary at Hastings Central School yesterday, but in 1931 it was very real.

The Hawke's Bay Earthquake struck at 10.47am on Tuesday, February 3, killing 256 people and devastating the region.

Now as part of their studies, pupils in Years 3 and 4 remember the loss.

"What we will work on this term, is Hawke's Bay's local community and our ancestors.

"This week I chose to look at the earthquake - we talked about what it would be like to be in an earthquake at school," deputy principal Beverley West said.

To add a touch of reality, the children had to build a shelter in groups using only a sheet, some twine and two sticks, on the understanding they were stuck and had to stay overnight.

It was not only an exercise in recalling the disaster, but team building and discovering natural leaders.

As part of the curriculum, Mrs West wanted to track down a former Hastings Central pupil who was at school when the earthquake hit in 1931, to speak with a class of seven and eight-year-olds about their experience.

Children could relate to the lesson having felt some gentle quakes last year.

"We had to get under the tables, they do take it very seriously they know what it's like ... they can relate to it."

-If anyone involved in the 1931 earthquake at Hastings Central School is willing to talk to the class, please phone 878 7366 and ask for Beverley West.