DOMINION NEWS.

Grey River Argus, 2 September 1927, Page 5

DOMINION NEWS.

MANAWATU STORM. PALMERSTON N-, Sept. 1. A severe electrical disturbance was experienced in Manawatu district yes terday afternoon, commencing early in the afternoon, and continuing until the early evening. Lightning played all round the countryside, while rain fell in torrents. All varieties of lignt ning were witnessed, while the ram was particularly heavy, flooding the streets in the town to a considerable depth. The telephone service was dislocated, many instruments being affected. The 'major damage was caused by disturbance to the lines ot the Manawatu or Orua Power Boards. At Whakaronga, lightning struck the lines, while at Te Matar sub station, the oil switch was completely wrecked. Lightning also struck lines at LM herbert and other places. .J 78 ’].,, o’clock this morning before the Mst repairs were made to lines. From re eonting instruments at the Board s station at Bunnythorpe, it appears that lightning started in the vieiuity of Wnakaronga, then travelled to Bunnythorpe, to Kairanga, Palmerston North, Awapuni and Linton. Despite the deluge at Manawatn, prae tieally no rain fell at Mangahao, where there is a shortage of water. To-day some steam plants are assisting Mangahao.