THE SNOWSTORM.

Otago Witness, Issue 2369, 27 July 1899, Page 35

THE SNOWSTORM.

The severe frost which followed on the heels of the fall of snow on Sunday is causing some uneasiness as to the fate of flocks on the high lands in the interior. The general belief among those who have studied the conditions appears to be that though there will be losses in isolated gullies, it will not prove to be serious. Most of the stock would have heen brought down from the high ground, before the snow fell. Then, a.gain, eheop throughout the country are generally in good condition after a favourable season, and are not likely to suffer seriously unless the frost continues for more than a week.

The heavy fall of snow over portions of the Otago Central railway caused a delay in the arrival of the Hyde train yesterday. The engine became derailed shortly after leaving Hydo, and the passengers did not, as a consequence, reach town till considerably after the regular time.

The snowfall at West Taieri on Saturday and Sunday was the heaviest known in that district for some years, and the keen frost which followed on Monday night made the surface of the Outram lagoon fit for skating. Our Palmev6ton correspondent writes: — '' The fall of snow here on Sunday, and again on Monday night, has remained lying on the ground for a longer period than can be recalled by the oldest resident. As a rule snow disappears here the day following its falling, but there is no sign of its doing so on the present occasion. There is now a depth of 6in in the township, a.nd in the valley, and at the foot of the Horse Range, an average depth of Sin to 9in; while in drifts it is much deeper. Stock, especially sheep, are having a bad time of it. A very severe snap of frost on Monday night has tended to keep tho sun from having much effect in dispersing the snow. Farming work of all kind is at a standstill. There is every appearance of a further fall of snow and heavy frost." Reports from the country districts (says the Oamaru Mail) show that the weather ; there has been very severe. The trains to and from Kurow have been considerably delayed. Meanwhile the township is practically snowed up. Yesterday morning, we learn, from 9in to lft of suow was lying on the ground, and although the day was clear and bright a howling gale was blowing, which was drifting tho snow in all directions. There were 3ft of snow in places on the railway line, and the prospects of the afternoon's train getting successfully through were, to say the least of it, somewhat dubious. The frost on Monday night was very keen, 16deg being registered. Taps were all frozen, and even the milk supply was " consolidated." Out back on the hills the fa.ll has beon very heavy, and it is feared that there will be great mortality among the stock. At Ngapara there was very heavy snow, but communication has n,ot been interrupted or delayed. Tokarahi reported 18in of snow on Monday, but there was no news yesterday morning, the telephone being interrupted. The Ashburton Mail reports that Mr T. Hix, mail carrier in the Mount Somers district, a man about 65 years of age, got off the track while going his rounds. He drove on vainly trying to pick up some known landmark, when at last in the darkness his horse got bogged, and the unfortunate man being unable to get him out was perforce compelled to spend the night in the snow, with nothing to protect him from the bitter weather but an ola sack. When found next day he was, of course, in a pitiable plight, and almost dead from cold and exposure. Kind neighbours did all they could to relieve his sufferings, but as he did not rally, he was brought down to the hospital, where he now lies in a critical condition. The horse must have had a bad time too, as it remained stuck in the bog all night, and vvas only exti'icated with difficulty. Tho passengers by tho express from Dunedin on Monday (says the Christchurch Press) Tiad a cheerless ride. Snow was encountered all tho way up, and when the train arrived at the Christchurch station it was while from tho engine to the guard's van. Tho back of the van was crusted 3in or 4in deep with snow, which had formed into vaiious shapes, just like coral. The effect was very pretty. WELLINGTON, July 25. During the day on* or two very liaht falls

of snow occurred — a very unusual thing in Wellington. • Snow is on the ranges around the harbour and Carterton. In Wairarapa snow fell this morning. NAPIER, July 25. Very severe weather has been experienced in the country districts during the past few days. A heavy fall of snow is reported from Tarawera and Taupo. Tho coach ia blocked iv the snow.

| Mr Leslie Reynolds has been engaged as engineer to carry out the Masterton water and drainage works, subject to a satisfactory arrangement of details. Mr J. Drummond, who has been editor of the Gore Standard for over four years, and who finds that his health will not withstand the rigours of another Southland winter, has accepted a position on the literary staff of the Lyttelton Times. *