AUCKLAND SWEPT BY GALE

Southland Times, Issue 23599, 29 August 1938, Page 6

AUCKLAND SWEPT BY GALE

HEAVY SEAS POUND COAST SERIOUS FLOODING IN SOME DISTRICTS (United Press Association) AUCKLAND, August 28. A north-easterly gale experienced in Auckland during the week-end caused a 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. Waves reached several houses at high tide, but the water did not rise sufficiently to damage the contents. Damage was caused to telephone lines in the city and suburbs. Serious flooding followed heavy rain in districts to the north of Whangarei yesterday afternoon and all the roads leading to the north were closed to motor traffic this morning. However, the Kawakawa route was open this 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 long periods by flood waters, , , , . The Jordan Valley road through this area is impassable. A wind of cyclonic force swept Whangarei last 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 the Whangarei Heads. From Russell it is reported 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 this morning. Three coastal scows put into Russell for shelter from the heavy seas running off Cape Brett. Very heavy seas also swept into Waitangi. A gigantic surf broke continuously over Longbeach, and there was an extraordinary swell at Russell.