SOU-WESTERLY STORM ON WEST COAST

Grey River Argus, 29 September 1949, Page 4

SOU-WESTERLY STORM ON WEST COAST

There was a heavy hail storm in Gre>moUin at aooui 4.45 p.m. yesterday, followed by a light snowfall, file storm wlucn cutud ue heard approaching minutes before its arrival, thus gwmg pedestrians ample time to take shelter, struck Reelton and other districts later, and was followed by snow there also. ROADS IMPASSABLE Frigid conditions prevailed yesterday over Greymcuth and the West Coast generally when recurring ram and hail with occasional light snow, continued from early morning throughout the day. The Paparoas received tl fresh coating of snow, while a few very light falls of snow followed the fall in Greymouth itself. Further inland snow was heavier. Last night eighteen inches was reported to have settled on the ground near Maruia on the Lewis 1-ass Road route. Late last night the Arthur’s Pass ana Lewis Road routes were still impassable, and a grader has been clearing the Lewis Pass Road to make it usuable for to-day. The Otira Gorge was also blocked, but the roadway is reported to be undamaged. All roads in Greymouth and in the surrounding districts are reported to be safe for driving. Despite the heavy fall of snow in the high country, trains will be running to schedule, stated a Railways Department official last night. The Telegraph Department stated that several telegraph lines had been broken, but communication would not be affected in any way. snowlnotago AND SOUTHLAND DUNEDIN. September 28. Many motorists from Invercargill, travelling to Dunedin to-day to see the Ranfurly Shield match between Otago and Auckland, were stranded on the main south road between Milton and Balclutha because of snow drifts. Snow in this region began to fall yesterday, and continued throughout the night. Intermittent snow showers at Invercargill and Balclutha appeared to be easing by mid-day to-day. At Milton the showers were becoming heavier. Snow started falling in Dunedin at 5 p.m. yesterday and continued throughout the night and this miming intermittently. No snow lay on tlie ground in the city, however, and Carisbrook is in good condition, although the surface is slightly greasy. YESTERDAYSQUAKE Shocks on West Coast Light earthquakes were felt in Greymouth yesterday morning at about 5.15. and one later quake lasted about 35 seconds. It was felt at Hokitika and Reefttn, where several people were awakened. No damage was <ausm. CHRISTCHURCH, Sept. 28. An earthquake shock was recorded at the Christshurch magnetic observatory at 5.13 this morning. There was a major shock, followed by tremors for half an hour. ‘The disturbance is believed to have originated a nerth-scuth line from. Christchurch. WELLINGTON, Sept. 28. A shock which the Dominion seismologist, Mi’ R. C. Hayes, stated might, at its centre have been up to a. force of six ox - sevexx on the Mercalii scale, was recorded at the Domxmon Observatory at 5.14 this morning. Mr Hayes said the centre of the disturbance was about 135 miles from Wellington, its centre probably being out to sea. z