STORM DAMAGE

Grey River Argus, 12 February 1938, Page 7

STORM DAMAGE

HEAVY GALE IN GREYMOUTH. A strong north to north-west wind reaching gale force did considerable damage to property in Greymouth yesterday afternoon. Fortunately, the gale was of short duration, and it followed a rapid drop of the barometer. from 29.70 ins at 9 a.m. to 29.43 ins at 3 p.m. Greymouth was apparently the centre of the cyclonic disturbance, as conditions remained comparatively mild at Westport and Hokitika. The force of the wind reached 49-56 miles per hour at times, and the blow was of a gusty nature, shattering wireless poles and fences, and in several cases blowing in windows and skylights in the business area. The wind ceased about sunset, and conditions again became mild, with little drop in the temperature. A large mission tent situated in Boundary Street opposite the Regent Theatre was blown down completely, and services had to be cancelled last night. POWER LINE DAMAGE. A break in the power supply shortly before 3 p.m. was traced tn a broken high tension line in Bright Street, Cobden. The force of the wind was evidently greater south of Greymouth, for residents of South Beach and Camerons had an anxious time. Several minor faults developed in the power circuit south of Greymouth, power being unavailable for a short period. TELEGRAPH LINES. Although no great delays were caused to telegraph and telephonic traffic, the Post and Telegraph Department experienced a busy time yesterday afternoon. The high wind caused many contacts of wires on the Reefton line, and coastal road line to Barrytown, where swinging wires became entangled. Trouble developed on the line between Kumara and Otira carrying Christchurch and North Island messages, and another circuit had to be used for work on hand. A gang was sent out to locate the trouble, and repairs were expeditiously effected. TRAWLER’S ANXIOUS TIME. Messrs Scandrett’s trawler Helena, Which was returning to port, struck the full force of the gale south of the breakwater, and was hove to for many hours. Huge seas swept the small craft, and the vessel, under Mr D Miller, made efforts to reach port for many hours. She was eventually berthed about eight o’clock last night the crew being none the worse for their unenviable experience.