MACRAES.

Otago Witness, Issue 1582, 18 March 1882, Page 13

MACRAES.

(FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

March 7th.

A heavy thunderstorm broke over the district of Macraes on Saturday afternoon about 4 o'clock. The storm was accompaniod with fork lightning, which was very strong at times. More rain fell from tho above time till Monday morning than I havo seen in the district for threo years. The lightning struck the north-west gable end of Mr James Griffiths' house, and passed through tho first partition of the house in a direct line, and then struck downwards on the face of the partition. Some picture-frames and a clock were hanging on the partition, and the lightning struck the picture-frames and the clock, taking the glass out of the face of the clock and breaking it to pieces, and splintering one picture-frame, and scorching the gilding and blackening the glass of the remainder as if they had been burnt with a smokey candle. There were two boys in the room - Charles and Samuel Griffiths, tho latter of whom was struck senseless, and remained so for some time. The lightning seemed to strike him on the shoulders, as he complained of great pain in the shoulders and arm. Everything was done for the sufferer that was possible with the remedios at hand, and I am glad to state that he is progressing favourably, and will not lose the use of his arm, although not able to do anything up to the present. The other boy, who was standing by, escaped unhurt. Harvesting has commenced. The crops are good, and will compare favourably with those of other districts. [The above arrived just too late for last issue.— Ed. O. W.]