GALE DAMAGE AT METHVEN

Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 29004, 18 September 1959, Page 14

GALE DAMAGE AT METHVEN

50 Horse Stalls Wrecked Fifty horse stalls on the Methven racecourse were either completely wrecked or badly damaged during Tuesday night’s violent north-westerly gale. Concrete piles the size of four gallon petrol tins were torn out of the ground and hurled between 60 and 70 yards through the air, and strong 4in x 4in wall studs were snapped off like carrots. Damage is estimated at about £350. Mr J. W. Thomas, one of the Methven Trotting Club stewards said yesterday that one of the piles had been carried through the air for nearly three chains. “It carried with it, a 4in x 4in upright and planted it 3ft into the ground.” he said. Three or four of the piles were carried by the gale right into the bird cage. “You have to see the damage to believe it," Mr Thomas said. However, it is expected that all the damage will be repaired for the club’s spring meeting tomorrow week. Navel Oranges The Australian season for navel oranges has nearly ended and a release is expected to be made from local cool storage next Tuesday. About 4000 cases will be supplied to Christchurch produce markets. Missing Boy Found.— The eight-year-old son of Mr and Mrs N. C. McPhail, of Kilmore street, who was missing from his home since 6 p.m. on Wednesday was found in Barrington street by his father yesterday.