PATH OF WATERSPOUT

Taranaki Daily News, 4 January 1935, Page 6

PATH OF WATERSPOUT

BELL BLOCK SPECTACLE SPECTACULAR BREAK IN COLUMNPORTION WHIRLED UP INTO AIR. TREMENDOUS ROARING NOISES.

Providing a terrifying spectacle, a huge waterspout, 100 feet high and about 25 feet wide, roaring like an aeroplane left the sea and crossed over a part of Mr. H. Salway’s Bell Block property yesterday shortly after 11 a.m. Although no damage was done eyewitnesses state that the waterspout was most alarming until it spend itself in the vinicity of some lakes at the edge of Mr. Salway’s property. A deluge followed the breaking up of the column of'water. Carrying sea water up to a tremendous height, the spout gained in velocity as it raced towards the shore. Leaving behind it a beaten track in the sand, the column of water crossed the beach and laid low lupins on its course. Two branches were wrenched from a gum tree and a quantity of water, which was drawn from two lakes, fell back heavily covered with' pieces of lupin. Mr. T. McGiven, a nephew of Mr. Salway, and several others first saw the spout raging in an easterly direction. The men immediately ran for shelter, when suddenly the column veered south and it appeared that Mr. Salway’s cowshed would be endangered. However, after travelling for about half a mile the waterspout spent its force in a most spectacular manner. Descending with terrific force the lower part of the 100 ft. column crashed to the earth with alarming suddenness. The other half ascended as if drawn by a gigantic hand and continued in an easterly direction carrying with it" small pieces of lupin and grass. Spending the greater portion of its force on Mr. Salway’s property, a part of the visitation crossed the main road and over Mr. I. Christian’s property, leaving behind it a trail of grass and rubbish, on the telegraph and power lines. Although he had not actually seen the spout, the deluge on his roof sounded like an exceptionally heavy hailstorm, said Mr. Christian. A considerable quantity of grass and lupin was found on the rooftop. Fortunately haystacks which received the downpour were not in the direct path of the waterspout. He was properly frightened and did not mind admitting it, said Mr. MbGiven yesterday. - When a roar indicated the presence of the spout everyone sought whatever shelter there was, some making for the house. Another eyewitness said it appeared that the column broke twice, rejoining on the first occasion and continuing for a distance before the final collapse occurred. The manner with which the upper portion disappeared upwards was most eery. Several minor spouts more in the nature of sheets of heavy rain were observed as the major spout subsided.