HIGH NORTH-WEST WIND

Press, Volume LXXXV, Issue 25937, 18 October 1949, Page 4

HIGH NORTH-WEST WIND

GUSTS UP TO 60 MILES AN HOUR

TELEPHONE SERVICES AFFECTED

A strong north-west wind, with gusts up to 60 miles an hour, blew throughout the day in Christchurch yesterday. Apart from minor interruptions to telephone services in various parts of the province caused by falling branches, little damage was done.

The wind increased from an average strength of 20 miles an hour at 9 a.m.

hour, with gusts up to 60 miles an hour, between 12.35 p.m. and 3 p.m., according to observations taken at the R.N.Z.A.F. station. Wigram. The wind steadily decreased from 3 o’clock and at 7 p.m. was down to three miles an hour. There was very little wind in the evening and at midnight the sky was clear.

The Christchurch Fire Brigade dealt with two grass fires, one of which developed in the wind from a rubbish fire, and one hedge fire. All were extinguished before much damage had been done. A north-west gale on July 7. when the wind reached a force of 86 miles an hour, carried away the 50-foot tower of the Presbyterian Church at Kaiapoi. North-west winds reaching a force of more than 50 miles an hour have been recorded at Wigram on five days in the last three months. They were on August 21 and 23, and September 23, 24, and 27. Some interruption to telephone circuits in Canterbury was caused, but in all eases alternative services were arranged. Faults occurred west of Otira in the Christchurch-Greymouth service at 7.30 a.m.. but alternative toll and telegraph circuits were arranged through Wellington and Blenheim. The Nelson toll circuit was also out of order, but calls were diverted through Wellington. Branches of trees falling on wires caused minor faults in the service to Oxford. K’rwee. Tai Tapu. and Little River, r.nd there were faults between Waiau and Kaikoura. Alternative routes were available in all cases, and last evening all the faults had been renamed. It was expected last evening that all the circuits to Greymouth through Arthurs Pass would be cleared for today.