SEVERE STORM.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 18 February 1925, Page 6

SEVERE STORM.

CYCLONIC M IND AND RAIN

.MINOR DAMAGE REPORTED

FARMERS’ CROPS SUFFER

The consistently high pressure shown by tne barometer Last ueeli showed -a sngnt fail yesterday, but at noon n was steady. Late m the afternoon, however, it came down with a thud, and tilt- eariy evening saw cue gale which nab oeen wonting up tor some hours strike the district, throughout the night it biew witn cyclonic force, -accompanied by torrents of rain. tt was a legular hurricane, and blew the whole night. towards morning there was a ligntening ol tne storm, and although tnere were very heavy showers, the position was nnicn improved. The wind was still very strong, and although intermittent showers looked likely, the day was pleasantly warm. Shipping will have had a tough time during what manners would call a mrty” uiglit. Minor damage is reported in various parts of the district, but nothing of a very serious nature. Standing crops are certain to have suffered seriously. One farmer reports that ail excellent crop of maize, standing six feet high, or more, and just ripening, had been levelled to the ground. It is a very heart-breaking experience, but of course one that must be taken philosophically. The Telegraph Supervisor reports all well with the Lines throughout this district. He said he was quite prepared this morning to learn that many were down, considering the severity of the storm, and was agreeably surprised when no damage at all was reported.

At a point on the Eltham Road approaching Riverlea from the east, branches from pine trees growing, on the roadside are reported to have been torn away and fallen across a span of telegraph wires -and telegraph communication between Kaponga and Riverlea was cut off. A casualty was suffered'at the crof|tict lawns, where the tent used by the secretary and manager was levelled to the ground during the night, -and looked a very sorry s)>ectacie this morning. The table and chair were mixed up with the overturned tent.