WIDESPREAD STORM.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20242, 30 April 1929, Page 10

WIDESPREAD STORM.

FIERCE GALE AND RAIN.

HUGE SEAS ON WEST COAST,,

TEST FOR BREAKWATER. STRUCTURE AT NEW PLYMOUTH'. [rfY TELEGRAPH. —OWN CORRESPONDENT.] NEW PLYMOUTH, Monday. The wind increased to a fierce gale dicing the night and huge seas are raging on the west coast. At high tide the breakwater at the port would be lost from sight for its entire length among the tremendous waves which swept clean across it. The recently-completed extension was withstanding the heaviest seas, which were a real test for the structure. The tumbled waters offered a magnificent spectacle, which many journeyed out to see.

Inside the breakwater the water wag showing a great deal of motion and the steamer Port Darwin, at the Newton King Wharf, was heaving considerably at her moorings. Most of the strain was being taken by the wooden fenders between the ship and the wharf. Two of these were replaced this morning and it is expected that two more will be needed this evening.

Two vessels, the Opihi and Piri, wero expected in port to-day from Greymouth and Auckland respectively, but it is believed that they are sheltering on the coast until the weather moderates.

ROUGH WEATHER AT SEA.

SEVERAL VESSELS DELAYED* MANUKAU BAR UNWORKABLE. The cyclonic storm which was reported to bo approaching New Zealand from the Tasman Sea on Sunday did not affect Auckland yesterday, the day being fine, with a moderate to fresh breeze blowing from the north. The weather is reported to be stormy on the coast, and is delaying shipping. THe warships Veronica and Laburnum, which left Wellington at 11 o'clock on Friday morning, were both delayed. They were expected hero yesterday morning, but the Veronica did not arrive until four o'clock in the afternoon, while tho Laburnum entered port at 3.30 last even-' ing. The Waimea left Napier on Saturday evening and was expected at Auckland yesterday morning, but she did not arrive until nine o'clock last evening. The Awabou left Gisborne for Auckland on Saturday evening and was due yesterday morning but she had not put in' an appearance last night. A moderate north-west gale was blowing on the west coast yesterday, and there was a rough sea on the Manukau J3ar. Tho Rarawa and the Arapawa left Orinhunga for New Plymouth and Raglan respectively yesterday afternoon but they were unable to cross the Manukau Bar last evening, and both vessels anchored at the Heads. The Arapawa will return to Onehunga this morning to load more cargo,. and the Rarawa will resume her trip as soon as the weather moderates. That an exceptionally severe cyclone was approaching New Zealand is reflected by the barometer, which had fallen to 29.10iu. last evening. It is the lowest reading recorded in Auckland since October, 1927. In May, 1924, the barometer fell to 28.82 in., but the lowest reading ever recorded in Auckland was 28.73 in. in July, 1867. The continuous wet weather which was experienced on the Hast Coast last week caused the flooding of rivers there, with the result that a considerable amount of debris has been washed out to sea and is now a danger to navigation. The

local superintendant of mercantile marine has received advice to warn mariners that a quantity of logs and debris was reported to be floating in the sea about seven miles south-east of Tokomaru Bay last Saturday, and was drifting southward.

DOWNPOUR AT ROTORUA,

MANY STREETS FLOODED. [Bl* TEXF.GKAPH. —OWN" CORRESPONDENT. ] ROTORUA, Monday. A heavy storm was experienced in Rotorua yesterday afternoon. From about two o'clock until 5.50 over 2in. of rain fell and many of the streets were flooded.; The rain was accompanied by heavy thunder and much lightning and at intervals hail fell.

The storm caught a cood many motorists on various trins and delayed them on their journey. The night was stormy, but the weather gradually cleared. Frequent showers fell -to-day and conditions are somewhat colder.

OrOTIKI DISTRICT SWEPT.

THUNDER AND LIGHTNING. [by telegravh.—-own correspondent.] OPOTIKI, Monday. Thunder and lightning of most unusual severity have been experienced at Opotiki for over 14 hours. The storm appeared to have reached its height last night- at 10.30, but has continued with move or less severity all clay to-day, with accompanying heavy rain. However, the rain has not interfered with motor traffic, cava from both Kotorua and Gisborne arriving on time.

The lightning last night was particularly brilliant, lighting up the district for miles, while the thunder sounded as if whole batteries of artillery were being fired at once.

The wind at seven o'clock this evening appears to bo changing into a more favourable quarter, with prospects of the weather clearing.