TORNADO AT HUNTLY.

Press, Volume LIII, Issue 15931, 19 June 1917, Page 3

TORNADO AT HUNTLY.

CONSIDERABLE DAMAGE. MIRACULOUS ESCAPES. CPBES3 ASSOCIATION' TXLBGR.UO HAMILTON, June 18. A most destructive tornado, or whirlwind, occurred at Huntly yesterday morning, the like of which has never been experienced in the district. When first noticed, it struck tho milking-shed of W. G. Raidall, a halfcaste, who resides opposite tho Kimihia Cemetery, on the west side of the river, about two miles below Huntly. It picked up a big waggon, smashing it to matchwood. Then it came across the river, picking up water en route, and sending it 60ft high. It next struck the cemetery, smashing 15 headstones into atoms, and then crossed the road, striking tho house of Mr James Dooley, which was in the occupation of Mr and Mrs Dooley, a nephew, and a niece. The niece (Miss Mary Patterson) heard tho tornado approaching and went outside, but not,anticipating any danger she returned. The tornado, however, shortly afterwards struck the dwelling with great force, tearing it from its blocks and carrying it between 100 to 200 yards, reducing it to matchwood. The occupants, with the exception of Miss Patterson, managed to escape, but the unfortunate young lady was carried about 30 yards with the fast disappearing building before she was rescued. Sne appeared to bo badly knocked about and was immediately conveyed to the Waikato Hospital, where it was found that she \"as badly bruised on the body in addition to being cut about the head and face, necessitating in all putting in 16 stitches.

•At Dooley's place. the whirlwind picked up a spring cart and sulky, carrying them about 200 yeards "id smashing them to bits. It then made towards the old coal mine at Kimihia and struck Mrs Russell's milking shed, picking it up together with the separator, considerably damaging tho same.

An eye-witness, states that a,s the tornado was crossing the river sheets of iron and limbs of trees could be seen flying through tho air. The track of the tornado is about 20 yards wide, and tho sight of its devastation to those outside the range is very impressive and awe inspiring.