Heaviest Seas At Waipu Cove For 30 Years

Northern Advocate, 15 January 1940, Page 6

Heaviest Seas At Waipu Cove For 30 Years

Backed up by a following north-east gale, the seas at Waipu Cove were the heaviest seen for 30 years. The storm reached its zenith just as daylight was failing on Saturday night, and, with the tide full at 10 p.m., waves dashed across the road. Recently erected on a site never previously threatened by the sea. one batch was soon surrounded by water. Acting on the advice of the owner, Mr. T. Wiglsy, the occupants evacuated and only just in time. They had hardly taken their departure before the building was lifted from its blocks by the force of the waves and moved bodily up the creek. Without capsizing, it was finally deposited nearly 100 yards from its original position. Camping gear and personal effects, which the occupants were unable to retrieve, were damaged. Those who had pitched tents gladly availed themselves of accommodation made available to them in the hall by Mr. and Mrs. Wigley. Except that sand is strewn across the road in places and that the pretty beach is littered with debris, Waipu Cove in the bright sunlight this morning, bears little trace of its hectic Saturday night.