THE WEATHER.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 7653, 28 August 1886, Page 2

THE WEATHER.

Yesterday's snowfall was the heaviest known in Dunedin for many years past. When day broke yesterday morning there was between Sin and (iin of snow on the ground, and when thaw set in the main streets v/ere soon in a frighful condition for pedestrains. Snow fell intermittently throughout the day, and between 5 and 6 o'clock last evening the fall was very heavy. As we go to press the weather is cold and threatening; and the prospects of the interproviucial football match taking place aro not very promising.

Our Palmerston correspondent writes: —The present month, evidently intends keeping up its reputation, and will long be remembered, at least so far as the inhabitants of this district are concerned. Just as we began to flatter ourselves that the late heavy rainfall was a thing of the past, and we were busy intent in repairing tho damage caused by tho flood, we are suddenly treated to a different stylo of weather, and that with .a vengeance. Tho weather took up on Monday and Tuesday, but 'on Wednesday the wind veered round to the south-west, blowing strong aud cold, continuing until Thursday night, when it increased in violence and was accompanied by showers of rain and sleet, which turned to snow ■ during the night, and at daylight this (Friday) morning was still falling. The ground was soon covered to a depth of from 8 to 9 inches, 'the heaviest fall, 1 am told, ever experienced in this district. Towards noon the sun came out and caused ifc to disappear on the low ground, leaving instead a sea of mud aud slush, and causing great inconvenience to foot passengers. Our youthful blood, both male and female, were of course in their element and snowballing was freely indulged in, resulting in numerous instances of assisting the propelling powers of some unfortunate pedestrians whose business took them outside. It is now (5.30) falling heavily, with every appearance of another dirty night before us,

(From Ouh Own Cok respondents.) Lawhence, August 27. It has been snowing off and on for the past three days. This morning it lay on the streets over Oin deep. On the ranges it is reported to be fully 18in deep. It is considered to be the heaviest fall we have had for years. Business has been almost suspended, and all hands have been indulging in snowball encounters. Theunfortunate Chinamen got pepper from the boys. The weather now looks as if we are going to havfl a change. The barometer has risen to-day over nn inch.

Kelso, August 27. We are now experiencing the heaviest snowstorm known here since 1878, and there is no appearance of it abating. Serious floods are expected.

Oamaru, August 27. The heaviest snowfall that has ever been known here occurred early this morning, the ground being covered with snow to a depth of six inches.

Timaru, August 27. There was a very heavy fall of snow this morning, and although it lasted only about an hour the streets were soon enveloped in a mantle of white, so heavily did it come down. There was a good deal of snowballing going on in the town, and several persons had a warm reception, which, however, they took in good part. When the sun came out all traces of the snow rapidly disappeared, and by 11 o'clock there was but little trace to be seen of it in tho town. A few accidents took place during the snowballing, the ' most serious being to Robert Kennedy, bailiff to the R.M. Court, who fell and dislocated his shoulder. Dr Macintyre attended to theiujury, and Kennedy is progressing as favourably as cau be expected under the circumstances. This evening is very cold indeed, and the frost is as sharp as in the depth of winter. .

Reefton, August 2". Snow.fell pretty heavily last night, and the weather continues remarkably cold for this time of the year.

(Pee United Pisess Association.) Ashburton, August 27. It snowed heavily yesterday till 7 o'clock. It began again this morning, and continued at intervals. The present is the heaviest snowstorm ever experienced here.

Lyttelton, August 27. The Hawea encountered a severe snowstorm off Lyttelton Heads at daylight tbis morning, and had to be hove-to for some hours. It has been snowing here all clay, and is falling now. It is the heaviest storm experienced for some years. The Hnwea's departure for the South has been delayed till to-morrow.

CnniSTCiiURCH, August 27. The snowstorm which occurred here to-day was heavier than has been experienced for 12 years. The snow is lying on the streets four inches thick. The tramcars were seriously hindered, but there were no interruptions to the railway. The weather to-night is cold, but the snowstorm which prevailed has ceased.

Blenheim, August 27. There was a heavy fall of snow last night on the hills close to the town. This morning there was a sharp frost.

Wellington, August 27. The weather is bitterly cold, and snow and hail fell this morning.

Gim'MOOTH, August 27. The Hinemoa was tendered this morning and Messrs Lahmann and Guinness and Judge Harvey were landed by the tug. The Hinemoa has been outside since Tuesday night, violent gales prevailing the wholo time. The bar was good and there was plenty of water to-day, but Captain Fairchild would remain no longer, wanting to get back to Wellington to take food to the starving Maoris in the eruption district. A good deal of disappointment is felt at the affair. The weather has been very squally and cold the last two days, with much hail.