SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XXVI, Issue 8419, 19 January 1899, Page 2

SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS.

MAN KILLED BY LIGHTNING

Blenheim, 10-ilay. During a heavy thunderstorm yesterday afternoon, a man named Gaff aud the horse he was riding, were killed by lightning. A resident of Renwicktown found the bodies on the river bed, a short distance from that place. Gaff was considerably blackened and burnt, and another horse, which deceased had been leading, was standing by paralysed in the hindquarters. Gaff was a farm laborer, 20 years of age. He leaves ,i widow and four children. The storm was the heaviest known at Renwicktown, some of the (lashes being dazzling.

Njxson", to-day. There was a fierce thunderstorm yesterday afternoon and night. Heavy rain is still pouring down, and the heavens are thundering. The JMaitai is bank to bank high, and some of the streets in town are flooded, but no damage has been done. It is feared immeri.se damage will be done to the crops, both standing and cut. ■Such weather at this season of the year is an unusual experience.

Wellington, to-day. A remarkably heavy thunderstorm broke over the town before dawn this morning. The thunder was incessant, and come peals were unusually loud. A considerable amount ot rain fell, and it is now ruining again with warm muggy weather.

Hawkra, to-day. The continuous wet weather is having a b.wl effect amongst agriculturists. Tliere was a heavy thunderstorm and rain last night. To-day is wet and squally. Over six inches of rain has fallen since 'the New Year.