CHRISTMAS WEATHER

Southland Times, Issue 22207, 27 December 1933, Page 7

CHRISTMAS WEATHER

STORMS IN CANTERBURY. DAMAGE TO CROPS. (Per United Press Association.) Ashburton, December 26. With heavy snow in the back country, mountains white-mantled to the plains, and gales that overthrew many power’ poles and flattened hundreds of acres of crops, the Christmas week-end was one of the most memorable Ashburton has known. About ten o’clock on Saturday night the north-wester developed gale force persisting for several hours in town with a great loss of fruit and levelling of fences in the country where oats were laid low. It is considered doubtful if much will stand up again. Many country people had a trying time dragging trees off the roads before cars could proceed. A remarkable experience befel one party when a power pole fell on the ear just in front of the windscreen but 1 the wires jerked it back sufficiently to allow the car to proceed. A lady occupant was cut on the chest and hands by glass from the windscreen. A few chains further another pole fell in front of the car entangling the wire round the bonnet, the driver skilfully manipulating the car free. Finally poles and trees across the road compelled the party to spend a night at a nearby farm. RAIN AT AUCKLAND. (Per United Press Association.) Auckland, December 26. The week-end holiday in Auckland was marred by blustering wind and scattered light showers. Hie temperature dropped yesterday, with the result that fires were lit in many homes. To-day the weather is still cool and the sky overcast, but conditions have not necessitated changes in holidaymakers’ plans. SHOWERS AT DUNEDIN. (Pei’ United Press Association.) Dunedin, December 26. A south-westerly wind with driving rain and hail and infrequent sunshine at intervals made Sunday and Monday unpleasant holidays. The wind died down last evening and the weather is clear to-day.