HATCHES BLOWN OFF SHIP

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXVII, Issue 19802, 18 May 1934, Page 8

HATCHES BLOWN OFF SHIP

POWER SERVICES INTERRUPTED. By Telegraph—Press Association CHRISTCHURCH, May 17. A south-westerly storm of extreme violence blew up at 5 o’clock this evening at Lyttelton. A gust blew the fore hatches off the Rangatira and landed them on the wharf. Wind pressure lifted the roof of the passengers’ shelter on the wharf perceptibly, and but for the shelter of the Rangatira, which was berthed alongside, the whole shed might have been blown into the water. A crane on the wharf, although clamped down, was blown some distance along the lines and derailed. No one was injured and little damage was done. The storm seems to have done little damage in the city, but it disarranged the electric power and light services by blowing down power poles and lines in the Cashmere district. In Christchurch the power was off for half an hour. For more than two hours there was a power failure on Banks Peninsula. Heavy rain fell on the Peninsula and creeks rose. With the downpour continuing as it is on the Peninsula, there is fear of some flood damage.