STORM IN CITY

New Zealand Herald, Volume 81, Issue 24877, 26 April 1944, Page 4

STORM IN CITY

GALE AND HEAVY BAIN

MINOR DAMAGE CAUSED j A northerly storm that reached its j height late in the morning swept over Auckland city and suburbs yesterdaj, causing damage in exposed areas. Xhere was heavy rain in the morning and again later in the day, the fall for the 24 hours ended at midnight being .70in. Only slight damage was caused on the waterfront, in spite of the high seas running. Three small boats were washed inshore, one foundering alongside the wall of the Royal Akarana Yacht 01 üb's clubhouse and another beiu<r washed against the sewer crossing Hobson Hay. The third went ashore at Kohimarama without being damaged. A Royal New Zealand Air i<orce launch picked up a mullet boat which j was adrift off Stanley Point and towed it to Mechanics' Bay. A tour or the waterfront indicated that the majoi damage was to plants and gardens, branches being broken from trees and plants flattened by the wind, which at times reached almost gale force. A spectacular scene was witnessed on the North Shore beaches at high water, when waves estimated to be over lUlt. high broke against the rocks and swept the'beaches. At the height of the storm spray from breaking combers was flying above the cliffs at the eastern end of Takapuna Beach, damaging gardens and burning lawns. In the city ! And suburbs radio masts were broken by the force of the wind and branches torn from trees. There were no reports of power interruptions or telephone communications failing. The wet weather interfered with the holding of a number of Anzac Day (services in the suburbs.