SWEPT BY NOR'-EASTER

Auckland Star, Volume LVII, Issue 18, 22 January 1926, Page 5

SWEPT BY NOR'-EASTER

HEAVY GALE AND RAIN. HURRICANE AT PAEROA. SHARP SQUALLS IN CITY. MARITIME SUBURBS SUFFER. Swept by a nor'easter that had been threatening in Auckland for the best part of tii' , week, the city experienced the har'le-t to-day that it has known for the |>:t.«t six months. I'rom Paeroa r-oni' , - ;i report that the gale reached liurri ane force, and heavy rain squalls ilia; commenced about midnight continued with increasing force after daybreak. The conditions in the city were ],•-- violent, hut the heavy sea that was running on the Waitemata cleared the harbour of all small craft, and made the maintenance of the ferry services a matter of dillioulty. The firrt sign of the oncoming storm was a downpour of rain shortly before midnight. Though the wind was then moderato it soon increased to a bard gale, ;iii'l was accompanied by eontinuuii- rain squalls. The eastern districts and especially the maritime suburbs of Takapuna and Devonport in the north, and St. llelior's and Kohimarama, on the southern shore, were exposed to the full force of the gale. Remuera, Parnell and Puii*>r:*jy experienced similar squally condition.*, and reports of damage to linu-es and new buildings show that the effects in parts of these districts were severe. A number of verandahs, including two in the city, collapsed and were wrecked by the gale; trees in several ex-pn.-ed streets and also in the parks and on private properties were badly battered, leaving the ground strewed with a litter of fallen foliage, and orchards and gardens suffered much damage.

Threatening For Seme Days. The storm bad been threatening since last Sunday. On Monday night a solid bank Hi black clouds was seen in the east, and slight rain fell; but it was not until this morning that the nor'-easter broke. The weather had been close and threatening and the barometer falling for two days before the rain began late last night. From then until 9 o'clock this morning, when the official observations were taken at Albert Park, .S4in of rain fell. Compared .with the fall of over an inch in forty minutes on Tuesday week, this was not heavy; but the continuance of the rain throughout the day will considerably augment this, and also the monthly total, which stood this morning at 2.S"in. In the thick weatlier only the few ships anchored in the stream between Auckland and Stanley Bay and a part of the storm-swept districts of Devonport and Stanley could be seen from the city waterfront. All the more distant part 3of the harbour were blotted out in the storm. City folk came to business prepared for the rain this morning; and few were without coats or umbrellas; but these were only a poor protection against the wild squalls, and no one was inclined to venture from the shelter of friendly shop verandahs. "Oh! What a bother j and I've come all the way in the storm," exclaimed a woman who was unable to obtain a ticket for a coastal steamer. She was only one of many who were forced to brave the force of an Auckland nor'easter. For the three hundred passengers who were busy making preparations for their departure for Sydney by the at 10 p.m. to-day the experience was an unenviable one. Dozens of disconsolate women, some hampered by children, were seen in Quay Street and on the waterfront attempting to make their final arrangements under difficulties.

Port's Shipping Delayed. Cargo work on the waterfront was disorganised by the storm, and the sailings of a number of vessels now in port have been delayed. Work this morning was commenced late and carried out spasmodically, the ram causing frequent interruptions. A.s a result of the delay, the sailing for Sydney of the fiiion 6'ompany's passenger steamer Marama ha.s been postponed until 10 o'clock this evening. The vessel was previously announced to sail at 3 p.m. The French steamer Sierentz, which arrived at Auckland last week with a part cargo of sulphur from Texas, was unable to complete her discharge, and probably will not .«ail before to-morrow. Work on the Shaw, Savill and Albion Line steamer Arawa was at a standstill, the hatches remaining closed. The Arawa arrived from London yesterday morning.

Another vessel to be affected by the storr* is the Federal Line steamer Surrey, which arrived from London last

evening. The Surrey, which lias on board a quantity of explosives for the Naval Department, was reported off Tiri about 0 p.m.. and at that hour it was expected that she would proceed to the powder anchorage at MotuLhi. This morning, however! it was ascertained ,that the vessel had anchored off Rangitoto. It is presumed that the weather last night whs very thick, and that on account of the latter fact the master of the steamer decided to ar-hor his vessel until daybreak. The Surrey is to proceed to the powder anchorage as soon as the conditions moderate. Owing to the heavy seas running in the harbour this morning, the port doctor was unable to get out t<, the vessel. Despite this delay, it is hoped that the Surrey will be ready to come into port to-morrow afternoon. Heavy Weather At Sea. Stormy weather is being experienced off the 'New Zealand coa.t. and radio reports from overseas steamers indicate that .hipping is being delayed The Swavne and Hoyt Line's cargo steamer West Hcnshaw. which was P™™° us !> expected to arrive at Auckland tomorrow morning, reports that she is encountering tempestuous weather and that the time of her arrival in the Wa.temata is at present indefinHe. The AVer Honsh.w is loaded with cargo from Pacific Coast ports. Other oxer .seas vessels are also expected to be delayed hv the storm. The storm worked up a, nasty sea In the harbour and shipping was severely buffeted Ferry steamers recened the fuTforce of the blow and rolled about considerably, a number of passengersuffering from sea-sickness. When heading Bgninet the storm the femes encountered heavy seas, which broke against the bows and caused large showers pi spray to sweep the decks. The ram and Vprav forced passengers to seeK shelter within the cabins and the condition-, penerally, were anything out pleasant. The Devonport Ferry co s steamer Kestrel experienced difficulty whilst berthing at the western side ot the ferry toe, the wind and tide causing her to swing out from the toe towards the Prince's wharf. Other vessels met with similar