THE WEATHER.

Otago Witness, Issue 2762, 20 February 1907, Page 23

THE WEATHER.

VIOLENT THUNDERSTORMS INT WELLINGTON.

WELLINGTON, February 16. Shortly after midnight one of the most violent thunderstorms which has visited the city for years was experienced. The peals of thunder were exceptionally loud and the lightning very vivid. The rain came down in torrents. The rainfall to 9 o'clock this morning was 1.17 in. At 1.40 a.m. there was a vicious flash of lightning, a fact which was vividly impressed .on the operators in the Electric Syndicate's engine-room. The shock pulled the plant like a big short circuit and passed off. The immediate result was the extinction of all the electric lights in the city, but the illumination revived itself automatically. At the south, however, the effect was more marked. There, says Mr Mabin (manager for the company), a bare main runs through the district, and it seems that the lightning played on to the main. The public lights were put out, and private lamps were also given over to darkness. About 4 o'clock this afternoon there was another thunderstorm, but much milder. The weather remained showery all day. WANGANUI, February 17. A severe thunderstorm, accompanied by heavy rain, was experienced here on Saturday afternoon. Heavy rain again set in this afternoon. CHRISTCHURCH. February 16. Rain commenced to fall from the Oiist early this morning, and continued with more or less severity throughout the day. The cricket grounds were sodden, and all matches were postponed. TIMARU, February 17. Very useful rain fell in this district yesterday, and hopes are entertained that the drought has now broken up. rFxou Oub Own CoaasspoNDiNT.) OAMARU, February 17. Good rains fell in most parts of the district between Thursday night and Sunday morning. At Kurow the rain lasted a'l Thursday night, and on the coast it started Q.n Saturday afternoon, lasting until early on Sunday. Farmers report that the misty weather which prevailed last week has already benefited feed to an acceptable degree. CLYDE, February 16. Copious rain fell here yesterday aftorroon. The weather is cloudy to-day, the mountains being enveloped in dense fog, and showers are falling intermittently along the foothills. The rain was sufficiently heavy to effect a thorough soaking of the parched pasturo lands, and it is certain that a growth of grass will follow. Turnips that were very backward owing to the drought may now como forward to supply a little necessary food for stock before winter sets in.