MARRING RAIN

Evening Star, Issue 23179, 31 January 1939, Page 2

MARRING RAIN

AUCKLAND ANNIVERSARY SPOILT THE WHOLE PROVINCE DRENCHED YACHTS AND EXCURSION STEAMERS WEATHERBOUND PEOPLE UNABLE TO GET HOME ♦ [Peii Un-ited Press Association.] AUCKLAND, January 30. Steady rain carried by an easterly wind that rose to "ale force at times drenched the greater part of Auckland province to-day, and marred the celebrations in connection with the founding of the Auckland province. Both north and south of Auckland exceptionally heavy falls were reported, and although there was no record of flooding, the water was beginning to encroach on some low-lying sections of the road in the north to-night, and a continuation of the downpour was expected to result in some of the routes being blocked. Campers and holiday-makers suffered intense discomfort. The rain was welcomed by farmers, but it caused a postponement of the Auckland anniversary regatta for the flrst time on record and prevented the holding of other important .sporting fixtures, spoiling the holiday for thousands of people. The gale in fhe Tasman Sea lias resulted in delays to shipping bound for Auckland. The Huddart Parker liner Wanganella. which was due at Auckland to-morrow from Sydney, reported that strong head winds delay her arrival until 8 o’clock on Wednesday morning. Miserable conditions prevailed in the city. People who ventured out even in ’ closed motor cars found travelling unpleasant, and any effort to seek fresh air'out of doors resulted in a thorough wetting. There were long queues at most of the city picture theatres. The unfavourable weather interfered with the sheep fairs. The steamer Paknra was unable to call at Hicks Bay to pick up a consignment of 2,000 cast coast owes, and as a result the Coromandel sheep fair, which was to have taken place to-morrow, has been postponed.

PICNICKERS' ORDEAL

WEATHERBOUND AT DISTANT ANCHORAGES

With small craft forced to shelter and excursion steamer services disorganised by the heavy seas, hundreds of holiday makers were unable to return to the city from Waihckc, Kawan, and other outlying resorts in Hauraki Gulf to-day. A strong easterly gale forced back one steamer and left dozens of yachts and launches weatherbound at distant anchorages.

When the shops r.nd offices in the city are reopened in the morning after Anniversary Day holiday the staffs are likely to be depleted to the extent of at least several hundred people. Eighteen launches and three yachts lay within the sheltered waters of Mansion House Bay, Kawau, to-night, while the fierce gale raged outside. Several boats which attempted to return to Auckland were forced back, and about 100 people are virtually stranded until conditions moderate.

Buffeted by the heavy seas in the exposed stretch of water between Matiatia and Kawau, the excursion steamer Duchess was obliged to return to Matiatia early in the afternoon. The vessel cleared Matiatia on time, but in view of tho fact that few passengers were on board she returned to the sheltei of tho port. Between 40 and 50 people were awaiting transport from Kawau to centres on the mainland, and when conditions failed to moderate during the morning their hopes of a passage to Auckland were reduced, but shortly after midday they embarked on a passenger launch, which, in spite of the high seas, made the comparatively short run to the sandapit near Warkworth. From there they proceeded to Auckland by road. Owners of week-end baches in Waiheke were also effected.

Jn the teeth of tho -gale the steamer Oncwa took three hours on her voyage from Auckland to Ostcnd in the morning, and, with conditions enforcing a reduced complement of passengers for the return trip, she was able to carry only 116 of over 300 people who were awaiting transport to the city. Tho remaining 200 holiday makers returned disconsolately to their baches at Onetangi and Palm Beach. After four hours of slow steaming, the Kaipatiki arrived at Osteml at 4.;fi) p.m., and returned to Auckland with about 30 people wdio had remained on the wharf. The Oncwa made a second trip to Ostcnd to-night, and, weather permitting, she will leave in the morning for Auckland.

Tho conditions were at their -worst at about midday in the eastern section of the gulf, and even when proceeding in the lee of Waiheke the vessels received a severe buffeting. Tho seas moderated in the afternoon, but the gale again freshened in the evening, and boats returning to Auckland were at times almost hidden by flying spray.