LASHED BY GALE

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 19721, 29 August 1938, Page 5

LASHED BY GALE

AUCKLAND AREA SWEPT FLOODING IN NORTH WHANGAREI CYCLONE HEAVY SEAS ON COAST (Per Press Association.) AUCKLAND, this day. A north-easterly gale experienced in Auckland during the week-end caused little serious damage. Erosion took place at Cheltenham Beach, and a concrete wall that was undermined collapsed. Some residents at Milford had an anxious time on Saturday night. The waves reached several houses at high tide, but the water did not rise sufficiently to damage the contents of the dwellings. Damage was caused to telephone lines in the city and suburbs. Serious flooding followed heavy rain in districts to the north of Whangarei on Saturday afternoon, and all roads leading to the north were closed to motor" traffic' yesterday morning'. However, the Kawakawa route was open in the afternoon. The Hikurangi swamp area was again covered with water and farmers have had an anxious time getting their stock clear of low-lying parts. These farmers have all been heavy losers this winter through their pastures being covered for lengthy periods by flood waters. A wind of cyclonic force swept Whangarei on Saturday night, wireless poles being blown down and other minor damage caused. Very heavy seas have also been running off the coast and a number of coastal vessels have sought shelter at Whangarei Heads. Russell reports that a five-roomed house at LOngbeach was partially demolished and fences and trees at Russell were blown down during a fierce easterly storm which began on Thursday and reached its height early yesterday morning. Three coastal scows put into Russell for shelter from heavy seas running off Cape Brett. Very heavy seas also swept into Waitangi. A gigantic surf broke continuously over Longbeacn and there was an extraordinary swell at Russell.