MAGNETIC STORM.

Press, Volume LX, Issue 18108, 25 June 1924, Page 8

MAGNETIC STORM.

DAMAGE ON THE COAST. ELECTRIC TABLET SYSTEM AT OTIRA SUFFERS. (SPECIAL TO "THE PEKSS.") GREYMOUTH, June 24. The West Coast experienced an intense electrical storm during the night, blinding flashes of lightning alternating with heavy showers of rain and occasional falls of hail, while the thunder was almost continuous. This morning the wind attained great velocity, and rain and hail storms were farily frequent, there being a good coating of snow on the hills. The river had a considerable run this morning, and shipping movements were out of the question Extra moorings were put out on the vessels in port. It was early discovered at the local telegraph office that something was amiss with the telephone and teiegrapM wires to- Christchurch. Investigation showed that the fuses had suffered severely at Otira, and extra equipment was sent forward' by the express. _ Repairs were- put in hand by a linesman onerating at the tunnel mouth, and ha* reports that the fuses were all blown out. The lightning guards had also suffered. About 11.30 a.m. telegraphic communication with Christchurch was restored, but it was not till late in the afternoon that the overland telephone! could be operated._ A quadrupiex machine was put into operation to clear off the accumulated work. Comjnunication with the north was interrupted owing to damage to the wires near Murcliison, but from what cause could not be ascertained. A tree fell across the telephone wires at Cobden. and a breakdown gang was at work to-day restoring communications.

Heavv damage was done to the electric tablet system at Otira through the uprooting of poles. The cost of installing this system was very great owing to the rocky nature of the country in the neighbourhood of Otira, r.nd renairs will involve the expenditure of" a considerable sum. The principal damage in this direction was clone near Aickens. where the were uprooted in spite of the fact that tbev were sunk in concrete blocks. The line was in an exposed position, and e\--erfcs consider its construction was faulty. The verandah of a residence at Br-nner was blown away and windows broken. Snow n-ns falling nearly all day at Arthur's Pass.