THE WEATHER.

Press, Volume LXIV, Issue 13168, 15 July 1908, Page 7

THE WEATHER.

HEAVY SNOW IN XASEBY.

BUSINESS SUSPENDED,

FEARS OF A FAMINE

(sr-Eci.u. to "thk press.") DUNEDIN, July 14. A Dunodin "Star" reporter at Naseby telegraphs:—

On coming -within ft few miles of Naseby, the Government forest plantation was passed, and it was apparent that nearly half tb© trees had been broken and crushed. The tree* in the Racecourse Reserve -were also m the same deplorable condition under their burden of snow. Nearing the town it was soon that tbo snow vrivs on a level with the top of the fences, while the roofs of the hotieee were covered to a depth of nearly three feet, and hanging half-way down the skies was a mantle of nearly two feet- in thickness of frozen snow.

The town itself -was a veritable hive of industry; Gangs of man- were busy cutting paths along the streets, others on roofs shovelling to prevent the buildings from collapsing under the •weight, ''aixl not a few could be seen carrying flour, kerosene, etc., home to guard against a famine. The sight was a memorable one. Tho heads of those in tho street could be seen, and trenches out out of solid snow gave the place the appearance of some gigantic drainage scheme in progress. The Post Office and the grocery establishments were the only places where the ordinary run of busmeas seemed to be going on, all others being suspended, and the residents, both male and female, engaged in shovelling.

Nearly every building h«d suffered in some way, the ripping of the spouting being universal, and considered a minor hardship. Such things as verandahs collapsing and doors and windows prevented from moving by tho buildings canting over,- were very common, while several buildings *ere completely crushed, and one or two chimneys had come down by the run. Several "hatters" had to be out of their -whares, -which were completely covered, and' in several cases had gfven way altogether. If the town is out off from the railway for any length of time, there is little doubt that food* supply must run short, flour, sugar, and kerosene being at a premium, while coal as vary scarce.

At two o'clock this afternoon the reporter telegraphed:—lt is still snowing, seven inches having faHen since the morning. All business k at a standstill. "Most people are engaged shovelling snow, and- others are getting stock to places of safety. A good many of the farmers have already removed their stock to {he higher levels.