We must surely be in the midst of one of the all-time great migrations in the history of humanity.
Far from being caused by an ice age, weather-related crop failures, flood or other natural disaster, the root cause of this phenomenon is man-made. It's an insidious condition that appears rife among our community, and others. It is hard to detect as the migration is happening in dribs and drabs, rather than whole populations pulling stakes and fleeing to another abode.
A colleague refers to it as Christchurch Earthquake-Induced Hysteria (pronounced see-yaaa after the noise you scream as you dive under your desk when a truck rolls past and the window wobbles a bit). I like to think of it as Severe High Averse Kinetic Evacuation Syndrome (Shakes). To date, symptoms have been apparent in many individuals and have even taken hold of entire organisations.
It is not hard to diagnose but very difficult to treat. Scientists are still battling to find a remedy for when the Shakes really take hold. And when they take hold, you can kiss goodbye to common sense, as we have seen already in our fine city.
Extreme Shakes have affected those who frequent St Paul's Presbyterian Church, and some of the tenants of Community House. It is interesting to note that not all who have happily inhabited Community House over recent years have been afflicted. They surely must have a stronger constitution and are not so susceptible to the Shakes.
