DAMAGE IN NORTH

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29800, 17 April 1962, Page 14

DAMAGE IN NORTH

Waves Wreck Launch (ft J 4. Press A ssociation) WELLINGTON, April 16. Damage to roads, communications and property in the southerly storm at the weekend was being repaired in many parts of the North Island today, and new reports of damage continued to be received. A 33ft launch, the Quest, was washed ashore at Island Bay this morning and completely wrecked. Gigantic waves caused by the storm broke the boat's moorings. The waves rolled along the coast, washing over the Moa Point breakwater and sweeping the beaches all the . way down past the Red Rocks. The 30ft waves were an awe-inspiring sight for motorists along the coast road. Several Island Bay residents saw the remains of the Quest being taken out to sea by the undertow. “It was smashed to matchwood in about 20 minutes.” said a woman. Slips have been cleared in the Waioeka Gorge, but in view of the general condition of the road, it will be closed from 6.30 p.m. tomorrow till 6.30 a.m. on Wednesday.

Power Surge A power surge during the storm yesterday damaged probably thousands of pounds worth of electrical equipment in part of Fitzroy. New Plymouth. Radios, refrigerators, deep freeze units, water-heating elements and other expensive electrical fittings burnt out as a fault sent a sudden boost in voltage through power lines to about 90 homes and some business premises. The trouble came so suddenly that internal fuses did not have time to operate before the damage was done. In the Fitzroy Hotel, five light bulbs burst and the motors of refrigerators were switched off as they started to race and heat up. In other places electric motors burnt out and in one home the radio almost exploded and the transformer and two valves were wrecked. Henderson apple orchards were half stripped by the gale and heavy losses were suffered by growers. Fortunately most of the export grade fruit had been picked and is now in the Apple and Pear Board’s Henderson store.