NORTH-WEST GALE

Press, Volume LXXXII, Issue 24987, 23 September 1946, Page 6

NORTH-WEST GALE

DAMAGE TO POWER LINES MAXIMUM GUST 73 MILES AN HOUR With an average strength of 35 miles an hour, a north-west gale which swept Canterbury yesterday morning caused some damage to electric power and telephone services round Christchurch. The peak gust of 73 miles an hour was recorded at 8.45 a.m. and between 7 a.m. and 11.30 a.m. there were several gusts of more than 60 miles an hour. Maintenance gangs were kept busy yesterday repairing damaged lines, chiefly in the suburbs, where the full force of the wind was felt. Although some country districts in North Canterbury also reported strong gusts, little permanent damage was done. At Cheviot many trees were uprooted and about 10 sheets of iron were blown from the roof of the town hall. The high-tension power supply was also interrupted and no power was available during the day. Telephone and power services were also disorganised in parts of Burwood, Dallington, Fendalton, and along the lower Styx road. Most of the damage was caused by falling trees and branches, although in one case an individual consumer’s electrical supply was broken by a wireless pole falling across the feeders to the house. At the entrance to the Waitikiri golf links, where the wind was particularly strong, a large pine tree fell and carried away the telephone wires serving the area; but this and nearly all the other services were working fully again by last evening. In Hagley Park there was considerable damage to the smaller branches of trees. Suburban fences also suffered. The full force of the gale was felt at Marshland, where it was reported to have done considerable damage to onion crops. The wind swept the gardens, and crops of onions which were coming away in healthy spring growth were uprooted. On some farms complete resowing will be necessary. The gale did a considerable amount of damage in Rangiora and district yesterday morning. Power lines and equipment were put out of action in various parts of the district. Two trees, one in Queen street and one in Victoria street, Rangiora. fell across a power line and caused disruption for several hours.