WATERSPOUTS IN GULF

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22045, 27 February 1935, Page 10

WATERSPOUTS IN GULF

CURIOUS PHENOMENA SEEN

OBSERVED -FROM STEAMERS

UNUSUAL CONDITIONS PREVAIL

Waterspouts in the Hauraki Gulf yesterday were an addition to the unusual weather phenomena which have been observed in Auckland during the past few days. A large and well-defined waterspout was seen early in the afternoon from the Federal Line steamer Hertford, which was making port at the conclusion of her voyage from London. It was about five miles from the steamer and appeared to be centred over.Gctpe Colville. The phenomenon was watched by those on board the vessel for some considerable time. Another large one was seen shortly after six o'clock in the evening from the pilot launch Waitemata, which was proceeding out to bring the steamer Antiope into port. It appeared to be between Tiritiri and The Noises Islands. The waterspout, which was about three and a-half miles distant, was, plainly observed from the launch, although it was too far away to form an estimate of the distance across the base. Ibe water at the base could be seen whirling like a maelstrom. The column of water mounted right up until it was lost in an intensely black cloud above. The atmospheric conditions were very peculiar at the time. Although the prevailing wind at Auckland was southerly, heavy rainclouds were beating up from the north, and lightning was observed. Finally the waterspout was lost to sight in a torrential and very localised downpour of rain. Another smaller waterspout was later observed from the Antiope as she was coming up the harbour. A waterspout, probably one of those seen at closer quarters from vessels in the gulf, was observed from Takapuna early in the eveping, but it was some distance out to sea. •