DELUGE IN CITY

New Zealand Herald, Volume 81, Issue 24824, 22 February 1944, Page 4

DELUGE IN CITY

SERIOUS FLOODING

damage to premises CLIMAX TO STORMY DAY A north-easterly storm swept over Auckland yesterday, reaching a climax shortly after nine o'clock last night, when torrential rain caused flooding in parts of tiie city. At least one city building was flooded on all three^ floors, a performance at His Majesty's Theatre was carried on only with great difficulty, and a billiards saloon below the level of Queen Street filled with water to a depth of several inches. Heavy rain fell during the early hours of yesterday morning, but the fall during the day was less heavy. With the addition of last night's deluge a total of l.Soin. was recorded on the Herald rain gauge for the 24 hours. Records Damaged Widespread damage was caused on all three floors of Leighton's Buildings, in Courthouse Lane, by a large quantity of rainwater which broke through the roof. Most serious damage was done to the files and records of the Stamp Duties Office, on the second floor. The greater part of the floor was awash as the water seeped through a dozen places in the roof and corners. Some of the staff were fortunately working late and were able to move desks and cabinets. About a dozen holes were bored in the ceiling to release water caught between there and the flooring of the premises above and an hour after the storm had passed several steady streams of water were filling bucket after bucket in different corners of the office. Drying the papers damaged will be a considerable task.

Water on Theatre Stage

Less damage was clone in the other parts of the building, the AngloDominion Hat Company's factory on the top floor and the studios of Sparrow Industrial Pictures. Limited, on the ground level. Photographic storks and equipment in the picture studios were damaged by water which percolated from the flooded Stamp Duties Office, but less loss was caused on _ the top floor. Valuable service was given by members of the citv fire brigade in dealing with the flooding. Stage hands were busily engaged at His Majesty's Theatre in trying to cope with water running across the stage, and at the height of the_ storm many of the players missed their cues through their inability to hear other players' lines above the roar of the rain on the roof. Drops of rain fell in the body of the theatre. Queen Street Flooding

During the rainstorm Queen Street filled with a stream almost to the height of the kerb. Shops were flooded to a small extent and some damage was done to stocks when downpipes failed to carry the volume of water. There was flooding at the top of Pitt Street, at the junction of Sandringham and New North Road, and under the Morningside railway bridge. In and around the city the strong wind and driving showers throughout the day beat down plants and small trees, damaged crops and caused widespread, though minor, interruptions to telephone services. Temporary wires were blown down over the railway line near Orakei, delaying the limited express for a few minutes between the city and Otahuhu.

Ferry-boats ploughed through heavy seas all day and were unable to berth on several trips to Northcote. No small craft were reported damaged, although a number were swamped and a 16ft. runabout launch ran ashore at Cheltenham Beach.. The Waikato Drenched

There was a gain of 6,000,000 gallons in the Waitakere reservoirs in the 24 hours ended at 7 a.m. yesterday, offsetting the net daily loss of 1,000.000 gallons a day during the last week. The full effect of the rain would not be felt until to-day or to-morrow, said Mr. A. D. Mead, city waterworks engineer, Jast night. The Waikato received a good drenching during Sunday night, and yesterday, frequent light, warm showers falling. For the 24 hours ended 9 a.m. yesterday 0.53 in. fell, bringing the total for the month up to 2.58 in. Very humid conditions prevailed throughout the week-end.