THE GALE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXV, Issue 9016, 31 March 1888, Page 5

THE GALE.

A TIDAL WAVE.

[BY TELEGRAPH.—PRESS ASSOCIATION.]

Wellington, Friday. One of the severest storms that has been experienced here for years swept over tho city on Wednesday night, accompanied by a tidal wave, which rose in the harbour to within eighteen inches of the breastwork. The storm caused very heavy "damage in town, and the Government railway line between Ivaiwarra and Petone is so far damaged that it is anticipated a large part will have to be reconstructed. The high sea running up the channel from the Heads directed the waves against the railway line along the Petone beach, and besides damage to the railway lino, carried away several boat-sheds in Oriental Bay, just opposite the wharves, tore down one side of the Te Aro Baths, and drove ashore several yachts. The freezing hulk Jubilee, lying off Petone wharf, parted her moorings and was driven against the wharf with six thousand carcases of meat aboard, but it is not thought any serious damage has been sustained.

Iron roofs, windows, and chimneys also came in for attention, and several small buildings were wrecked. The gale caused serious* interruptions to telegraph wires, and Wellington has been practically isolated from communication with nil other parts of the colony. The weather -da}' was fine, with a strong wind blowing. During Wednesday's storm the water rose 40 f?et higher than has been known before at the pilot station. It was also very high all around the neighbouring coast.

Christchi t rch, Friday. During the recent, gale there was the highest tide ever remembered at Sumner and New Brighton. The houses at the latter place had the foundation piles washed away. No lives were lost, and not much was damaged.