DAMAGE BY LIGHTNING

Taranaki Daily News, 9 June 1932, Page 7

DAMAGE BY LIGHTNING

POWER SUPPLY CUT OFF. WINDOWS IN HOUSE BROKEN. One of the worst thunderstorms And electrical disturbance experienced in the Whangarei distrit occurred late on Monday night. The main force -was felt at Maunu, three miles from Whangarei. The power line at Maunu was considerably damaged as a result of being struck by forked lightning, and the electrical supply in the western portion of Whangarei was interrupted. The residence of Mr. J. M. Clarke, at Maunu, suffered to a large extent. Earth wires were fused, the walls of the bathroom were charred, three windows were broken, and the telephone was scorched and thrown out of order. 1 ortunatcly the house did not catch fire. Members of the family spent, a very trying night. One of the boys stated that he was lying awake at about 1.30 ci.iTL when there was terrific explosion and it appeared the house was struck, as it shook to its foundations. The whole sky was illuminated and sparks were flying in all directions. The meter in Mr. Clarke s milking shed was burned and a large pine tree near the house was struck by the lightning about 15ft from the ground, and . the bark was stripped to the ground. The centre of the disturbance appeared to be at a transformer just opposite Mr. Clarke’s residence. The borough electrical engineer, Mr. W. J. Dawson, was notified at an early hour that the Whangarei District Hospital was in darkness, and the power was restored at 2.15 a.m. A further examination was made at Maunu by Mr. Dawson, where it was discovered that five transformers were out of action, the high tension fuses being ruptured by lightning. Power for milking plants was restored at 5 p.m.