SEVERE STORM

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22202, 31 August 1935, Page 12

SEVERE STORM

FIERCE RAIN SQUALLS GREAT FALL THIS YEAR TOTAL ALMOST FOUR FEET The severe south-westerly storm which swept over the city and suburbs during the early hours of yesterday morning brought the total rainfall for the year to date to the phenomenal figure of 47.38 in., which is almost three inches over the average yearly fall taken over a period of 79 years, 44.39 in. Fierce squalls of gale force accompanied by torrential rain lasted for several hours and during the heaviest falls many roads were awash. In some cases the visibility was so poor that late motorists were forced to stop. The wind commenced, to rise on Thursday night and increased in force after midnight, when many houses wore shaken by its intensity. Electric light and power service was interfered with in several parts of Ponsonby and Herne Bay by wires being blown down and the cables were affected. However, the damage was not widespread and little inconvenience was caused. No other damage was reported. Barometer Rises Again The total rainfall for the month to date is 4.68 in., as compared with the average monthly fall of 4.17:,n., an increase of .51in. The fall for the 24 hours up to midnight last night as registered by the Herald gauge was .84in., and most of this fell during the storm. The wind continued to blow fairly hard nearly all yesterday, but eased in the late afternoon. Several light showers fell. During the storm the barometer fell to 29.53 in., but about six o'clock yesterday morning it commenced to rise, and at midnight last night registered 29.73 in. Manukau Bar Unworkable Owing to the stormy weather on the west coast yesterday morning the Manukau Bar was again unworkable during ing the day and further delayed shipping. The motor-vessel Ronaki, which left Onehunga for Raglan and Kawhia on Wednesday, was still anchored at the Manukau Heads last night. The rriotor-vessed Hokianga was to have left Onehunga for Hokianga at noon on Thursday and the steamer Alexander was to have sailed for Nelson yesterday, but both vessels remained at Onehunga waiting for the bar to improve, A report from the signalman at th« heads last night stated that a light south-weflt wind had been blowing since the afternoon and the sea on 'the bar was decreasing. If the conditions contir. e to improve during the night it is expected that the three delayed vessels will be able to cross the bar this morning.

JAPANESE TRAINING SHIP SHI NTOKU MARU DELAYED ARRIVAL TIME INDEFINITE Wireless advice received yesterday from the Japanese Government mercantile training ship Sb'.ntoku Maru stated that she was being delayed by stormy weather. The advice did not indicate where the vessel was, or how far she was away from Auckland, but stated that, owing to the storm being experienced, the day or time of arrival at Auckland could not be given. The wireless advice received on Thursday announcing that the Sliintoku Maru was coming to Auckland and the farther advice yesterday about her delay is the only information received about the vessel's movements. Where she is from and how long she will remain in port is not known by the Union Steam Ship Company, which will act as the vessel's agents. Arrangements have been made by the Harbour Board for her to berth at Kmg s Wharf.