That Thunderclap.

Thames Star, Volume LXVI, Issue 19605, 10 January 1936, Page 2

That Thunderclap.

LAST NIGHT'S PHENOMENA. THAMES ROCKED AND SHOCKED. At 7.35 last evening the people of Thames were brought to heel with a round turn, to realise that an atmospheric Rattle between the elements had broken out, when, during the prevailing easterly with its nimbus clouds, the wind changed to produce a sharp clash o£ air currents. With a terrific burst reminiscent of the discharge of a fort battery, combined with an echoing sound like the crack of a mighty whip, Thames was literally rocked. This explosion, followed by dazzling lightning, must have occurred very close above the centre of the town. Windows were rattled, and, generally speaking, people were shaken out of their wits for a minute or two, so severe and startling was the shock. Several ponderous thunder claps, with illuminating flashes of lightning and rumbling aftermath, denoted tho continuance of the running overhead engagement that faded away to the east, each “artillery” boom being succeeded by heavy showers of rain, It was just one of those mighty exhibitions of Nature that emphasise tho helplessness of human kind. People, many alarmed, dashed for shelter, and, perforce, awaited tho passing fury, hoping that the Fates would be indulgent.

Last night’s initial crash beneath the firmament certainly was one of the most remarkable examples of air combustion experienced in this part of New Zealand for many a day or year. However, it appeared to have the effect of clearing away the stormy conditions of the past three days, and to-day the weather broke fine, with sunshine and an invigorating breeze.