GALES AND FLOODS.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LIV, Issue 13749, 11 September 1908, Page 5

GALES AND FLOODS.

Per Press Association. • v CHRISTCHUROH, Sept. 10. A severe wind storm swept through Chrisfchurch early tins morning. After midnight the weather came from tho north-west. A few hours later the wind veered round tovthe south-west, and at 5 o'clock gust after 'gust struck the city, v knocking t trees about and doing' a good deal of damage to the orchards and gardens. A heavy northwest gale sprang up at Rangiora early this morning, and caused extensive damage throughout the district. Chimneys; fences, and sheds were blown down, and .the telegraph and, telephone communications were interrupted. A heavy -shower of rain fell about 5 a.m., and the wind"Hhen moderated. The heavy north-west gale' of this morning was responsible for a serious interruption of the telegraph system between ChrJiStchurch and the ' North Island, complete communication not being re-i stored till 11.45 a.m. V WELLINGTON, Sept. 10. I A fierce northerly gale prevailed in ; Wellington ' throughout most of the *"" day, accompanied by rain storm? in the morning. No particular' damage is reported, except a slight subsidence of the /small wharf at Rona Bay. The training ship Amokura parted from her anchors, drifted, between coal hulks in the harbour, and had to obtain the services of a tug to tow her back to an anchorage. • , N • INVERCARGILL, Sept. 10. Heavy rain fell at Invercargill this morning, and in conjunction with a high spring tide and a westerly wind caused a . banking-up . of the estuary, and a good deal of flooding of the lowlying lands.. One house at least was surrounded by water, but there was no danger' to life. Boats were washed out of the Avenal Rowing Club's sheds. The now snow-ground^ was / i flooded, and. the new tramway, bridge to Okutara was awash.. So far no v serious damage has been reported, and, with the going down of the tide and the slackening of the rain and wind/ the flood-water nas receded. " . t * * *- j / .