RAVAGES OF FROST.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXII, Issue 19060, 3 July 1925, Page 10

RAVAGES OF FROST.

WATER PIPES BROKEN. INVERCARCILL PLUMBERS BUSY. The last week-end was an eventful one for many Invereargill residents. On Saturday morning was experienced one of the most severe frosts that has-visited tlie town for many years, 15 degrees being registered. On Sunday 13 degrees were registered, and on Monday morning 10. A largo number of residents were placed in the unenviable preaicaraent on Saturday afternoon when the thaw set in of having split pipes and burst taps to contend with. Harassed householders began a hurried hunt, for plumbers, and (he services of all tho men available were requisitioned throughout the afternoon. ,An oven worse state of affairs prevailed on Sunday, for so great a quantity of water was issuing from tho breaks that the pressure had to be reduced. Many people who were no doubt congratulating: themselves that their pipes had stood the strain were thus unable to get a sufficient draw-off to meet ordinary domestic requirements. On Monday morning the position was rectified, an adequate supply being available. Several plumbers were at work all day Saturday and Sunday ajs well. From 1(3 o'clock on Saturday morning one firm had a constant stream of excited householders calling for assistance to repair the ravages. The breaks covered all classes of work, but the principal breakages were split pipes or burst taps. One employer stated that four of his men would have repaired in all about 50 breakages, and it was expected they would finish tho work in the course of a couple of days. Another employer stated that three of his men who were engaged throughout Saturday afternoon had effected temporary repairs £o 74 breakages and the work would bo completed in the next two days.