BLIZZARD RAGING

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22194, 22 August 1935, Page 10

BLIZZARD RAGING

STORM AT THE CHATEAU HEAVY FALL OF SNOW ACCESS MAY BE BLOCKED AMPLE FOODSTUFFS IN STORE [by telegraph —OWN correspondent] THE CHATEAU, Wednesday One of the worst blizzards ever experienced at the Chateau is raging tonight. Following wild weather conditions for the past week there was a lull today, but with the coming of a strong southerly wind late this afternoon another fierce storm began. Heavy snow has fallen intermittently and is continuing, but little is settling as the wind is carrying it to the lower levels. The depth of the snow at the Chateau at 10 o'clock to-night was between two and three feet. Ihe storm shows no signs of abating Supply waggons and two Automobile Association patrols were able to negotiate the Bruce Road to the Chateau to-day and the waggons and one patrol left again in the afternoon. A\ith this evening's fresh fall it is assumed that the road will have become impassable, although so intense has been the storjm that no one has ventured from the Chateau to make an inspection. The ruts made by the heavy waggons wil probably be filled thus destroying the only track that ordinary traffic could use. The weather forecast is unfavourable and it is considered a possibility that the Chateau may be cut off to motor traffic for several days. It is practically certain that no traffic will be able to approach to-morrow.

A party of 150 ski-ing enthusiasts is expeofced on Friday night from various centres in the North Island. Should they not be able to make the journey from National Park station by motor it is considered that most of their number will elect to walk to the Chateau. Prospects for ski-ing are' good® as the snowis in excellent condition. There are no fears that the Chateau will run short of supplies if it is snowed in, for ample provisions for a considerable period are at present in store. It has been known, of course, for some time that many visitors were to be expected next week-end and arrangements to accommodate them have been made. COLD SNAP IN TARANAKI SNOW ON HIGHER LEVELS MOUNT EGMONT DEEPLY COATED [by telegraph —owx correspondent] NEW PLYMOUTH, Wednesday Many days of extremely boisterous weather in Taranaki culminated this morning in the heaviest snowfall in years on the higher levels. Injjlewood, Stratford and Eltham all experienced considerable falls of up to 3in. Snow extended from Mount Egmont across Central Taranaki, also out toward Opunake. The ranges at the foot of the mountain were coated in white to their base. The morning's fall in Central Taranaki turned to slush later in the day and roads were in a slippery and dangerous condition. In the early afternoon the wind dropped and the clouds cleared away from Mount Egmont, revealing a magnificent spectacle. From the apex to the base the mountain was a smooth white mass, the snow obviously being of tremendous depth.

The stormy conditions hare not caused unusual damage apart from some mortality among young lambs.

THREE INCHES AT OHAKUNE WEATHER CLEARS LATER [by telegraph OWN correspondent] OHAKUNE, "Wednesday Heavy snow fell at Ohakune and surrounding districts to-day, covering the ground to a depth of up to Sin. Commencing at about 8 a.m., the fall continued until about 2 p.m., after which it was very cold, with occasional showers. To-night the weather is fine and bitterly cold. Further south, at Taihape and other lower levels, it snowed off and on during the day, but there was not enough snow to settle on the ground.

FURTHER RAIN SQUALLS

SETBACK TO DAIRYING LOSSES OF LAMBS AND EWES [by telegraph OWN" correspondent] WHAXGAREI, Wednesday Cold, wintry weather still prevails at Whangarei with intermittent showers. Hail fell to-day on several occasions, accompanied by strong, cold winds throughout the district. Sheep farmers report losses of lambs and ewes. The Ruawai flats, which are considered to comprise some of the finest dairying country in North Auckland, have never within . memory been so sodden and waterlogged. As a result of the prolonged rains the whole dairying industry of North Auckland is faced with serious setback in production.

WEATHER IN WAIKATO COLD SPELL CONTINUES. [from our owx correspondent] HAMILTON. Wednesday Very squally and boisterous weather was experienced in Hamilton to-day after a comparatively fine spell yesterday. The rainfall for the 24 hours ended 9 a.m. to-day was 0.25 in., bringing the rainfall for the month to date up to 3.89 in. In the Bay of Plenty districts bitterly cold weather is being experienced with heavy rain this morning. The conditions are very detrimental to dairying, especially as many cows are .now coming in.