Bad case of the Shakes

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.

In the case of the churchgoers at St Paul's, maybe - just maybe - they are moved (pun intended) by a sense of kinship with the flock who used to worship at Christchurch Cathedral. Different denominations but Christians the same, they have clearly decided that in a show of solidarity they too should forgo their main place of worship, choosing instead to move into a hall. A brave and selfless call, only St Paul's is still standing, and looks as robust today as it has over the past century - a century in which it has withstood some almighty (excuse me) earthquakes.

And in all seriousness, that is the point. The Sarjeant Gallery, Community House, St Paul's and all the other soon to be off-limits buildings have already proven their ability to survive, largely unscathed. What was it about the devastating earthquakes in Christchurch in 2010 and 2011 that supposedly and rather suddenly made them unsafe? They still look the same, and the risk of earthquake here today is no different than it was in 2009, or 1984.

It's time that we all got some perspective on this issue. It would be an utter tragedy if, as a result of the risk, and their no longer being used, our precious heritage was lost, demolished due to a Huge Over-reaction that Precipitated their Extinction. That kind of Hope is the last thing we need to arrest the great Shakes migration.

Feedback: editor@wanganuichronicle.co.nz