ROUGH WEATHER.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 55, Issue 164, 24 April 1935, Page 5

ROUGH WEATHER.

SEVERE THUNDERSTORM. NEW PLYMOUTH AFFECTED. (Per Press Association). NEW PLYMOUTH, April 23. A severe thunderstorm passed over New Plymouth this evening, followed by torrential rain lasting about an hour. The storm was preceded by a dense mist, with an eerie luminosity. The downpour found leaks in many houses and business premises. In a number of shops the staffs were busy sweeping the water out the doors _ The electrical supply was slightly interrupted, and in one block the power was off for some time.

AUCKLAND BOATS SWAMPED. SPORTS AGAIN POSTPONED. AUCKLAND, April 23. Easter holiday-makers returned to work to-day in pelting rain. The rainfall for the 24 hours to 9 o'clock was 1.96 inches, the heaviest fall this month. . . . A confused sea was running in the Waitemata harbour. Several small sailing craft were swamped at four moorings, and two were driven ashore but not damaged. As a result of the rain the Easter bowling and tennis tournaments were again postponed.

FIVE INCHES OF RAIN. CONCERN IN THE WAIKATO. HAMILTON, April 23. The heavy rain, which lias been experienced for 48 hours throughout the Waikato shows no sign of abating, and serious floods are likely if the position is not relieved. During the 48 hours the rainfall recorded at Huntly, _le Archa. Hamilton, Cambridge, Mornnsville and Te Awamutu averaged between five and six inches. Several roads, mainly in the Glenafton district, and in the area of the Taupiri drainage scheme, are inundated, and in some cases a considerable acreage of pasture is under water. The rivers and creeks are rising rapidly, and further flooding, is imminent. _ T The main highway between wahia and Hamilton, which is under repair, has been turned into a quagmire, several stretches being covered fully a foot deep in mud. The new road . formation On the Hamilton-Morrinsville main highway is also seriously affected.