FIERCE STORM

Te Awamutu Courier, Volume 60, Issue 4231, 15 January 1940, Page 5

FIERCE STORM

WIDESPREAD DAMAGE Thp stormy weather conditions yesterday were not confined to the Waikato, for reports from Auckland and Northland indicate that conditions were even worse there. Many yaehts in Auckland harbour received a severe buffeting, and some of them were extensively damaged. About 200 excursionists from Auckland arid other stations to Waitomo yesterday were delayed on their return journey, and did not reach the city until almost midnight, instead of before 10 o’clock. An hour was lost when the party was informed at Waitomo that flooding alt one of the caves would mean a long wait. After the return trip from Hangatiki had begun trouble developed in the locomotive, and a new one was attached. In the meantime the railway staff at Auckland had arranged for a launch and taxis for passengers living on the North Shore, while the trams were specially relayed for those living in the city. Torrential rain fell in Auckland practically all Saturday night and again on Suriday morning, the fall being computed as 3.32 inches in 24 hours. Waters in the harbour were chux-ned to breakers and cascades of spray were estimated to be 30ft high. The waterfront roads were at times impassable. ' Othex- reports indicate a considerable amount or damage to small craft in Auckland and Manakau harbours, and along the eoast. In the fruit-growing districts much damage was done, the gale causing tons of young fruit to be destroyed.

North Auckland seems to have sustained the full force of the gale, and though trees are across roads and telephone and telegraphic lines rj.-e down in many places, it is believed there has been no loss of life. Campers had an unenviable experience. especially those located neaxthe seaside. Most of them had to flee to higher ground. Reports from various parts of the Te Awamutu district indicate that very little damage occurred. A large macroearpa tree fell across the road not far from Tokanui Hospital. Branches of other trees were seen to have .been ripped off along various roads, a few haystacks were unroofed, many fruit trees, heavily laden, were broken and electric lighting and telephone wires were either broken of disconnected by the storm.