DROUGHT BROKEN BY STORMS

Hawera Star, Volume XLV, 10 August 1925, Page 5

DROUGHT BROKEN BY STORMS

MAN STRUCK BY LIGHTNING. SCHOOL ON FIRE, LONDON, July 3. Heavy thunderstorms yesterday broke the drought, which has prevailed in many parts of the country for a month or more. The official forecast phophesies fur-, ther local thunderstorms for to-day and during the week-end. While London was sweltering in a temperature which ros© to a shade maximum of 81 degrees, thunderstorms were' reported in several places, particularly' in the west. A terrific storm broke over Bristol, rain failing for the first time since June 1. Two workmen engaged in work on a large bell that is being hung in the tower of the new university at Bristol had a thrilling experience. The lightning struck the bed, and one of them had to be taken to the infirmary', suflering from serious burns. A number of chimney-stacks were wrecked, and a fire broke out in a gar. age, destroying a lorry and other property'. Wine Casks Burs,t.

A horse attached to a van laden with laige barrels of port was frightened by' the lightning and bolted. Tnre© of the barrels of wine crashed into the roadway and burst. A large crowd immediately gathered, and people fetched cups and other utensils and made the mod of their opportunity of a free drink. When a storm burst over Monmouth, shire yesterday' many people at Newport rushed from their homes in panic. Rain had not fallen sine© June, but in a few moments the streets became minature rivers.

An electric overhead wire fused and burst into flames. A tramear full ot passengers was approaching the spot, but the driver saw the danger, and pulled up in time. One section of tfie service was suspended for more than half an hour.

During the storm a farmhouse near Newport was struck by lightning, and the roof was quickly in flames. Large portions of the loof had to be torn away before the fire could be extinguished. Girls’ School Struck.

Lightning struck a girls* school at Porth. th e laboratory and two other classrooms being destroyed by fire. A colliery tip was also struck and put out of action. The Gorsedd uroclamation ceremony at Singleton 'Park, Swansea, was marred by a heavy rainfall which accompanied the thunderstorm. Cricket at Northampton was stopped bv rain.

A great hailstorm occurred at Ilfracombe. which had been without rain since May 30.