NGAPUHI IN GALE.

Auckland Star, Volume LIV, Issue 95, 21 April 1923, Page 7

NGAPUHI IN GALE.

SWEPT BY HEAVY SEAS. MUCH DAMAGE DOXB. (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) TAURANGA, this day. The Xgapuhi, which reached here fr itri Auckland at ."> o'clock last night, had a rough time. She sheltered till G.:iO yesterday morning, and then commenced her journey down the coast, meeting the full fury of the gale. As soon as she got round the Cape the sea increased as the day advanced, and seas continually broke aboard. Between the Slipper and Mayor Island a terrific sea hit the vessel on the starboard side, and smashed Ul the lavatory and bathroom ports, broke away doors, and did extensive damage. Another sea carried away part of tlie companion way at the saloon entrance, a considerable amount of water getting below. Soon after this a sea broke aboard, lifted one of the port lifeboats off tbe chocks, and dashed it against the enginerooru skylight, some planks being stove in. Several odds and ends about the deck, including some cases of kerosene, were washed overboard. The X'gapuhi reached here without further mishap, although tho engineroom -j/afT had an unpleasant time, a considerable quantity of water finding its way below, some down the funnel. RAINFAIX OVER NINE INCHES. GAS WORKS FLOODED. . (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) TAURANGA, this day. A high barometer on Wednesday indicated the coming of an easterly gab*, and by Thursday it had fully developed. Yvith jiigli Yvind ami sea. and heavy ram towards night. On Friday morning a gale was raging heavily, and by night-, fall had increased in intensity. During the evening heavy thunder was experienced, followed by torrential rain, and these conditions continued throughout, the night. At daybreak the wind dropped, and rain practically ceased. The weather is now clearing. The borough electricity works survived the storm without mishap, although debris, getting into the inlet tunnel, caused some damage to screens. This, however, will not affect tbe supply of current. The waterworks were not so fortunate. the morning the water supply failed, and the engineer and a gang of men are now out to locate the trouble. The gasworks property was flooded, and the supply is not expected to last beyond midday, but a further supply Yvill probably be available before night, as the water is now being got under. Xo material damage is reported in tlie borougli. but some small bridges between here and Te T'uke nre reported to have been washed away. There is also some damage to the line betYvccn Mount "Maunganui and Matata. A total of 0.41 inches or rain was recorded for the 21 hours ending 0 o'clock this morning.