FIERCE STORM

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 22948, 28 January 1938, Page 9

FIERCE STORM

• SYDNEY SWEPT LIGHTNING DAMAGE PALL OVER THE CITY DELUGE IN STREETS THREE SHIPS COLLIDE By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright (Received January 27, 10 p.m.) SYDNEY. Jan. 27 A violent storm in Sydney this afternoon plunged the city into darkness and created consternation among suburban householders. It upset yachts competing in the sailing race on the harbour and caused a considerable amount of damage to the anniversary celebration decorations in the streets and on business houses. A house was struck by lightning at St. Peter's and chimney stacks were brought down, scattering in all directions. City streets were deluged. Band Procession Scattered The wind blew with a velocity of over 60 miles an hour and the lightning ' was the most vivid for some years. Shops, trams and taxis were compelled to switch on their lights because of the deep gloom. A parade of massed bands through the city, en route to the showground for band competitions, was seriously interrupted. Hundreds of bandsmen were compelled to rush for shelter and were lost in the crowds which had gathered on the footpaths to watch them. An empty tramrar at Maroubra was struck by lightning and set on fire, but the flames were subdued with a chemical extinguisher. Excitement on Harbour

Three ships collided in Darling Harbour, but without serious damage. The Howard Smith motor freighter Momba was berthing when the strong wind carried her on to the coaster Bermagui. The force of the impact caused the Bermagui to bump another coaster, the Cobargo, causing minor damage to the two coasters.

There was a good deal of excitement among the orews, some of whom were compelled to jump clear of the colliding vessels.