STORM IN COUNTRY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LVIII, Issue 17909, 11 October 1921, Page 6

STORM IN COUNTRY.

CAMBRIDGE'S EXPERIENCE.

VERY HEAVY RAINFALL.

[BY TELEGRAPH— OWN CORRESPONDENT.] CAMBRIDGE, Monday. An exceptionally heavy rainfall set in before noon on Saturday. For an hour or two the fall was so great that channels overflowed and culverts were blocked in many places. The rain was accompanied by a violent thunderstorm, one of the worst experienced here for many years. An electric pole at Leamington was struck by lightning and splintered. Several narrow escapes were reported, but no serious accidents occurred. One person covered with a horse cover escaped unhurt, though the cover was scorched. The electric service was temporarily disorganised. In some parts the ground was white with hail stones of exceptional size. In other parts no hail fell. The rainfall for the 24 hours ending at 9 a.m. yesterday was nearly 3in. The rain will prove very beneficial to the whole country, and the prospects of the dairying season are now bright.

DAMAGE TO TELEGRAPHS. a REPAIRS BEING EFFECTED. TbY TELEGRAPH.—OWN CORRESPONDENT.] WHANG AREI, Monday. Atmospheric disturbances in the Whangarei district on Saturday caused considerable dislocation of the southern telegraph service. A repair party was despatched and located several split poles yesterday 15 miles out at Mangapai Hills. Temporary repairs were effected and permanent work was being undertaken today. FARMER LOSES CATTLE. FOUND DEAD BY FENCE. During the heavy thunderstorm that passed over the Thames Valley last Saturday afternoon and evening," a Waitoa farmer, Mr. H. Smith, lost three fine yearlings, which were struck dead by lightning. He discovered the animals nest morning lying close together by a wire fence.