HURRICANE DAMAGE

Press, Volume C, Issue 29474, 28 March 1961, Page 9

HURRICANE DAMAGE

Report By Mr Gotz (From Our Own Reporter) WELLINGTON, March 27. “The hurricane which recently swept the South Pacific caused some damage in Western Samoa, the Cook Islands and Niue," the Minister of Island Territories (Mr Gotz) said today. “I am relieved to say the latest reports from these territories indicate there has been nothing like the devastation which unfortunately affected Tonga. “Banana plantations and breadfruit crops in the outer districts of Upolu, the main island of the Samoa group, were badly hit. The islands of Savaii and Apolima were more seriously affected. The Samoan Government still awaits full reports from these places. “The Agriculture Department of Western Samoa is hopeful that banana shipments to New Zealand will

not be greatly affected. “On Niue, northerly winds of about 20 knots began on Tuesday, March 14 and gradually increased in force until noon on Friday, March 17. when they reached 45 knots,” said Mr Gotz. “Then they steadily decreased and by 6 p.m. the same day had virtually ceased. Crops “Crops in coastal areas of Niue suffered salt burn and fruit was blown down from exposed banana trees. Because of the way in which Niue has been affected by hurricanes during the last two years, I am relieved to say there was no other damage. “I have been advised that damage in the Cook Islands included a classroom on Rakahanga which was struck by a falling coconut tree, several shacks on Manahiki which were either blown or washed away, and severe buffeting of bananas, pawpaws, and breadfruit. “I am thankful that Western Samoa, Niue and the Cook Islands escaped the worst hurricane effects,” added Mr Gotz.