CALM FOLLOWS STORM

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 124, 28 May 1928, Page 8

CALM FOLLOWS STORM

LITTLE DAMAGE REPORTED.

RECORD RAINFALL. LIKELY.

WIND REACHES HIGH VELOCITY.

A number of displaced piles at the end of Queen's wharf and a sunken cruising launch are the principal signs on the waterfront of damage caused by the easterly gale, which sprang up on Saturday morning and continued into last night. The damage is relatively small in view of the fact that for the 24 hours ended at nine o'clock yesterday morning the wind velocity was 401 miles, the highest since January, 1926. Whereas on Saturday the strong wind was the most pronounced feature of the storm yesterday was notable for a heavy and continuous downpour of rain. There are many instances of minor damage in the city and suburbs. In such a gale, trees and fences arid gardens were bound to suffer to some extent. On the harbour a lively time was experienced by the ferry steamers in berthing at the height of the storm. At Devonport, more especially, the waves were coming in at an angle which placed an undue strain on the mooring ropes. In some instances the ropes gave may and it was noticeable that before evening most of the steamers were carrying new ropes.

With still four days to go the rainfall for this present month is within a few points of the record rainfall for May as taken over a period of 45 years. The record fall was in 1924, when 10.03 inches fell. In the opinion of the official recorder a further record this month is certain. It is of interest to note that the wettest month in Auckland since records were officially taken was in February, 1917, when the total amounted to 12.67 inches.

The rain yesterday had a marked effect on the water-supply dams at Waitakero and Nihotupu. It was thought that bv this morning the former would be full for the first time since the summer shortage. The capacity of the dam, however, is considerable, and the water is still a good three feet short of the top. At two o'clock yesterday afternoon, the level had risen by 18 inches, and was close on the 60ft mark, about sft from the top. The Nihotupu dam, at 2 o'clock yesterday afternoon, had risen 2ft, and the level of the water was within about sft of the top. This dam still requires another foot of rain to fill it.

At high tide this afternoon an effort will be made to raise the launch owned by Mr. B. Alexander, of Parnell, which broke from its moorings off Hobson Bay and was badly damaged on the new railway embankment. Although towed back to its moorings and left with strong anchors down the launch subsequently sank. It is of the cruising type, 28ft long, and is valued at about £300. The extent of the damage will not be known until it is placed on the slip of Mr. C. Bailey, junr., sometime this afternoon. Steamer in the Gale. Coming from Los Angeles, the American steamer West Carmona encountered a very strong easterly gale on Thursday. Big seas broke aboard and on one occasion the chief steward, Mr. J. J. Farrell, was washed right across the deck and only saved himself from going over the side by clutching at the rail. By Saturday morning the weather had grown considerably worse and Captain A. Skjellerup. who is in command, had almost decided to heaveto, for fear tho lafge deck cargo of timber should be washed a way. The vessel was so near port, however, that he continued ou liis course and arrived in the harbour early iu the afternoon. The weather, however, prevented her from being berthed until yesterday. Floods at Mercer. At Mercer the heavy rains yc>tcrd,iy caused the Waikato River to uverthiw its banks about a mile below the town and speculation was rife as to what might, happen if the downpour continued. Not only was the river flowing wide but the swamps and low-lying country were also well covered with water. It is hoped that the early moderation of the rain storm will save the situation. Gale at Waihi.

A report from Waihi states that an easterly gale set iu on Saturday evening and that heavy rain fell yesterday and during the s/ight. Very heavy surf was in evidence at Waihi Beach.