WHIRLWIND IN TOWN

Grey River Argus, 4 May 1937, Page 5

WHIRLWIND IN TOWN

CHAPEL ST. HOUSES

Considerably Damaged '

Homes situated on the hill the upper end of Chapel Street suffered, a heavy and damaging visitation shor-.y before 9 o’clock last night. The 'Wind at the time was variable, but abotu BUS a whirlwind developed in this onarter, which, that it fortunately was confined to a small area, caused damage to three dwellings. Apparently the whirlwind developed from the' direction of the hill directly above Chapel Street, first striking the residence of Mr Al. W. Olsen, o n the south side of Chapel Street, where it toie oil' the front balcony and also portion of the side balcony. Seter.u sheets of iyu -were also blown off the roof on the town side, whilst the-hot water system was damaged. The experie'nee of the occupants of the house which -is double-storeyed, and situated on the side o f the hill, was an unenviable one, the building being caused tv shake considerably. The damaged is not considered to be vciy serious. In company with Mrs Olsen and child ia ihe house at the time was a lady visitor, and Mrs Olson’s brother, Mr Alan Walton, who als 0 resides there. The next door residence, that of, Air.; John Kennedy, senr., was also damaged. the front verandah being practical, ly tom off. -Mrs Kennedy, an elderly woman, was absent in Christchuich. Flying wood and iron tore away the feeder electric light and telephone wires to Air Olsen’s house.

On the opposite side of the street, several windows were broken in the two-storeyed' residence of Miss M. J. Roche, on the comer of Alexander Terrace and Chapel Street, whilst the side fence in Chapel Street was somewhat damaged.

Air C. G. Moss, whoso residence is situated on the other side of Air Olson’s, stated that he heard the whirl, wind going past the back of his house, which, though not damaged in any way, was shaken considerably. Apast from the “pocket” where the whirlwind was confined, no other damage was reported in the town. The Power Board’s staff were quickly on the scene to attend to the dam age, but only temporary work could be done inthe circumstances.

The force of the wind was demon, strated by the fact that the balcony structure of Olsen’s was lifted clearly over the front of the house and deposited on the <roof near the rear. The house was plunged into darkness, in an alarming way as the electrical connection was severed. It was deemed dangerous for the occupants t 0 remain in the eireuinstanees. and the house was therefore vacated for the night. The cost of repairs is estimated at '£2oo. The verandah of the next house, was de. posited' by the wind in front of rhe building, while there was no damage done to the house of Mt J. Guerin, which is located next on the hillside. The electrical wiremen had an unenviable task in pelting rain, as they were adjusting the lines for the time being. The wind last night was responsible for some damage on Mawhera Quay, the plate glass window of Mr C. Peebles’ stationery shop being splin. teied, and dislocated.