THE STORM.

Pelorus Guardian and Miners' Advocate., Volume 30, Issue 23, 22 March 1918, Page 5

THE STORM.

One of the heaviest rain storms experienced in this district for some years set in from the north-west in the early hours of Tuesday morning. Fortunately the storm was of short duration, and had spent itself before neon. Had the rain continued at tho same intensity for a few more hours, a serious flood in the Pclorus would have occurred. This riven* fed copiously from the Rai and Wakamarina valleys rose very quickly and was soon a raging torrent. At Canvastowu the water soon reached the level of the low-lying parts of tho main road, and at noon all traffic was blocked between the bridge and the Debating Society's Hall. Tim mail- and pas-sengcr cars from Blenheim were able to pass this point at 11 a.m,, but after getting in touch with the Nelson cars, which were held up at Flat Creek, they were unable to approach the Canvastown bridge, the road being completely submerged to a depth of several feet. ' Although the rain had ceased it was not until about 9.30 p.m. that the flood water subsided sufficiently to allow the held-up cars proceeding on their journey. Havelock was reached at about 10.30, and Blenheim at midnight. No losses of stock arc reported, but several settlers had to act quickly in removing cattle off the flats to higher ground. At Twidle's Island the water reached the piles of the house, but did not do any serious damage. The gale was severely felt in the more exposed bays in tho Sounds. It is reported that Mr F. Ward, of Forsvlh Island, had the misfortune to have his launch smashed up, having been blown on to the rocks during the height of the storm.

Record heavy seas arc reported to have rolled in the head of Pclorus Sound, the full force of which were felt at To Puru, where it is reported, that Mr P. Hocquard had the misfortune to have his residence completely washed away. On enquiry yesterday we learn that Mr Hocquard’s house was not actually washed away, but the water entered the dwelling to a depth of a foot or more, and was so damaged by the action of the waves that it is considered beyond repair. The s.s. Blenheim, which left Wellington for Sounds and HaVelock at about 1) o’clock Monday evening, had crossed the Straits before the full force of the gale was in evidence, but her captain had some difficulty in picking up the head of the Sound owing to the thick weather. The steamer sheltered in the Sounds until the storm had spent itself. One of the seamen on the vessel stated that the gale was the worst he had experienced.