SNOW ON RIMUTAKAS

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 19697, 1 August 1938, Page 7

SNOW ON RIMUTAKAS

WORST DAY OF YEAR

MOTORISTS HELD UP

WIDE AREA AFFECTED

(for Truss Association.)

WELLINGTON, this day

A heavy fall of snow on the Rimutakas yesterday afternoon made conditions more like the north of Scotland in winter than the North Island of New Zealand.

A number of cars were held up on the hill and some motorists spent the nifcht there Others turned back, but turning round was very difficult. There was lOin of snow at the summit. It was the coldest day of winter. Fortunately the wind dropped, but this brought trouble of its own. for the surface at the high altitude at once Iroze. making the going very greasy. Smooth-tyred cars were at once in difficulty. Automobile Association patrols were out practically all night, and were on the job again this morning.

It was possible this morning for canto get through without chains provided the tyres were good and the cars kept in low gear. The association has issued a warning advice to motorists that only those to whom it is necessary to travel should attempt the road.

A Wanganui message sates that the district experienced its bleakest days of the year yesterday and to-day. Heavy rain, accompanied by sleet, fell in the city, while snow fell between Wanganui and Marton. No serious Hooding or damage is reported, and the weather is now clearing.

Palmerston North reports that a wintry blast was experienced last night on the hills south of Palmerston North, conditions being blizzardlike in places. This morning the lower hills were coated with snow to a depth of several inches, while the higher ranges bear a heavy mantle. The temperature in the city last evening fell very low. A few flakes of snow also fell.

All the surrounding high country to-day bears a markedly wintry appearance. The snow near Fitzherbcrt hills is declared by settlers to be the worst for 18 years.