TERRIFIC GALE

Southland Times, Issue 22012, 11 May 1933, Page 8

TERRIFIC GALE

CHRISTCHURCH SWEPT RAILWAYS DISORGANIZED MANY POWER FAILURES (Per United Press Association.) Christchurch, May 10. A terrific southerly gale estimated at 80 miles an hour caused considerable damage in and around the city last evening, and blew a section from the roof of the guard’s van on the returning ferry boat express and caused it to foul the overhead equipment so that the Christchurch-Lyttelton railway service was seriously dislocated. Many exciting incidents took place in the work of the repair gang aided by the fitful light of lanterns and torches. A railway linesman working at the head of a svzaying ladder held in position by the efforts of six men freed the overhead electric power line of the steamer train. It was difficult and dangerous work which, with other complications, took two hours to complete. Meanwhile the crew and passengers of the 9.40 p.m. train from Lyttelton were marooned between Heathcote and Woolston. Later in the evening frequent power failures occurred in the city. Many fences were blown down. The gale also damaged the boat harbour. Battling against the gale the ferry steamer Maori is not expected to arrive at Lyttelton until three o’clock this afternoon—eight hours late. SEVEN HOURS LATE MAORI’S ROUGH TRIP. (Per United Press Association.) Christchurch, May 10. The Maori arrived at Lyttelton this afternoon at 2.10 pun., seven hours late, having met the full force of a southerly gale on her trip down the coast. The passenger list was fortunately small. Captain G. B. Morgan said the trip was much the worst in his experience.