THUNDERSTORM WORKS GREAT HAVOC.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLII, Issue 12955, 26 August 1905, Page 2 (Supplement)

THUNDERSTORM WORKS GREAT HAVOC.

FATHER AND DAUGHTER'S FATAL

MORNING WALK.

A thunderstorm, attended, unhappily, with melancholy results, swept the country, being felt with special violence in the south of England. Several lives were lost t a father and his little daughter being killed at Hampstead. The storm was felt in two parts. The first spent its fury at noon or thereabouts; the second reserved its work of havoo and of death until the afternoon and evening. The thunder clouds burst at intervals with terrific violence over London's northern heights. At Hampstead, as mentioned, the storm had a tragic and sorrowful sequel. The sky assumed a threatening appearance over the heath and Parliament Hill, but when it broke the violence appeared to be no more than that of a heavy shower. The storm, which had driven to shelter those on Parliament Hill, bad a brief lull, and many ventured out, thinking the worst was past. But the storm burst again, opening with a blinding flash that lit the whole district. The Nassington Road footpath runs along the foot of Parliament Hill just north of the railway, and under the eaves of the watchman's chalet there (which was closed) a gentleman well known in the district, Mr. Henry William Watkins, had taken refuge, with his little daughter, Ada, aged four. Watching from the windows of the houses near, several persons saw all that occurred. After the confusion caused by the sudden light and noise had passed it was seen that Mr. Watkins and his little girl had been struck to the ground. Willing helpers at once ran to the spot and found that the baby girl was dead. But they thought Mr. Watkins was only unconscious. First aid was- applied, and efforts were made to restore respiration. Those who aided say that Mr. Watkins was not dead at that time, and that he bit on the handkerchief pad with which an attempt was made to keep his mouth open. All was of no avail, however, and on an improvised ambulance Mr. Watkins and his daughter were conveyed to Hampstead Hospital. There it was found that both were dead. The watch-box seemed to have been struck on the crown, where the bolt distorted a lead roof, shattered a wooden cornice to 20 pieces, and so entered the hut. Then it passed out again (apparently) to where Mr. Watkins stood with his daughter, and struck them outwards. The damage to the hut was insignificant. Strangely enough, the marks of injury on the dead mairwcre trifling. Some blue patches, like bruises, were to be seen on Mr. Watkins' shoulder and arm. His left leg was artificial; and it was along this limb the current appears to have passed, though there was little to show. The marks on the little girl, who was only four years of age, were similar to those on her fatherbruises on the side and log. Their clothes were hardly damaged. Mr. Watkins was out for a morning walk with his daughter, and Mrs. Watkins was left at home in Hodrick Road with another child, aged two.