WINTER’S HAND

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26775, 19 May 1948, Page 4

WINTER’S HAND

WIND AND RAIN

ANGRY HARBOUR WATERS

RETAINING WALL BROKEN

A cutting north-east wind, which during the afternoon often reached the force of a moderate gale, swept Dunedin yesterday, accompanied by driving rain. Rain was still falling steadily last night, although the wind had eased considerably. Port Chalmers residents experienced the gustiest conditions for some time, and on the Otago Peninsula near Larnach Castle trees were blown across the road. The wsters of the harbour were whipped by the wind, and the level was the highest known for many years.

A warning to motorists was issued by the Automobile Association yesterday after the sea wall between Grassy Point and Broad Bay had given way under the strong pressure caused by the high tide and the wind. The low road was. not closed, however, and a gang of public works men set about repairing the damage. Small craft moored in the bays of the harbour were tossed by the waves, and in the boat harbour one vessel was plucked from its moorings and dashed against the rock wall. No damage to any of the boats was reported. Port Chalmers had the same experience, the wind .ripping across the open expanse between the harbour entrance and the port. Power lines were affected at Port Chalmers and on the Main South road near the Brighton highway, and were promptly repaired by the Dunedin Electricity Department. The faults occurred about mid-day. An hour and three-quarters elapsed at Port Chalmers before the power was restored. The Telegraph Department reported no damage to lines, although it is understood that some inconvenience was caused at Larnach, Castle, where trees were blown down. Moderate south-west winds are forecast for to-day, with the weather temporarily fair. Temperatures will be cool. The further outlook is for cold conditions, with more rain. Only one degree separated the maximum and minimum temperatures recorded in Dunedin yesterday, the readings being 53.5 degrees (maximum) and 52.5 degrees (minimum). The barometer was still falling steadily last night. Two of the National Airways Lodestar aeroplanes from the north were late in landing at the Taieri aerodrome yesterday afternoon owing to bad weather. The airliner which was due to arrive at 1.25 p.m. from Christchurch did not land until 2.50 p.m., and that due at 3.30 p.m. had to circle above the aerodrome for a short time before landing at 3.50 p.m. The other services, including those to and from Invercargill, were run to schedule.