SEVERE STORM

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22401, 23 April 1936, Page 12

SEVERE STORM

AEEAS IN TARANAKI EXCEPTIONALLY HIGH TIDE MINOR DAMAGE ON FORESHORE [BV TELEGRAPH —OWN CORRESPONDENT] NEW PLYMOUTH, Wednesday A severe storm was experienced in North Taranaki early this morning, a gale of wind being accompanied by vivid lightning and nt intervals heavy rain. Unusual effects were seen on the senfront, where the spring tide was piled up to abnormal levels and minor damage was done on the foreshore. At the port the breakwater was continually awash as the huge waves pounded over it. Owners of launches moored between the breakwater and the Moturoa Wharf had an anxious time for a few hours, but were able to get their craft to more sheltered positions without mishap. The main fishing fleet successfully rode out the storm at the anchorage in the lee of Newton King Wharf. No damage occurred to the port itself. The flood tides this morning were easily as great as any in the history of the province. At Ngamotu Bridge the tide swept up at least 50 yards beyond its usual limits, the seas lapping at the kerb in front of the Palladium. Formation work under construction by relief labour was washed out in several places, and had the seas risen any further the cottages at the rear of the beach would have been endangered. Small boats on the beach received a severe buffeting. The tide waters swirled around the oil derrick on the end of the beach, and though it did not damage the structure the high sea caused a stream to be diverted across a private road to the oil bore and caused considerable damage. At the port end of the beach the seas washed along the base of the newlyreclaimed area, but no damage was caused.