THE WEATHER.

Star (Christchurch), 30 September 1893, Page 5

THE WEATHER.

• . HEAVY GALES. [P__b Prbbs Abbooiation.J WELLINGTON, Sept. 29. The strong nor'-west gale that was prevailing yesterday blew itself out this morning, and for a hour or two mild i weather was enjoyed; but at four o'clock the wind suddenly chopped to the south and is blowing cold, with hail and rain Bhowers. The fierce southerly gale continues. H.M.S. Lizard and other vessels anchored in the stream dragged considerably, but fortunately their anchors held befotb any casualty happened. The sea washed over the Wellington-Petone railway line, and it was feared that damage would be occasioned to the permanent way j but up to the present nothing is reported, though the through train from Wairarapa waa a couple of hours late in reaching town. WELLINGTON, Sept. 30. The weather haa moderated, but it is very cold and ia still threatening. The opening of the boating season will probably have to be postponed. The coal hulk lost a mast during the gale, and the big dredge got into temporary difficulties. No damage of consequence ia, however, reported. ; ' WELLINGTON, Sept. 30. The weather has cleared up, and ia now fine and calm. ' DUNEDIN, Sept. 30. The weather is now quite fine. One of the moat severe southerly gales experienced at Lyttelton for some years past prevailed throughout yesterday, and waa accompanied at intervals by rain and hail showers. The gale soon raised a high sea in the harbour, and the lighter waves and spray were constantly being swept clean over the westerly breakwater. Beyond the levelling of a few fences in varioua parta of the town no damage was reported. Ao darkness approached the wind had steadied down to a moderate gale. Oar New Brighton correspondent states that the gale was the heaviest experienced since March, 1888. A couple of telephone post., a few fences and trees were blown down, but no other damage was done. Owing to the heavy see running no work could be done on the pier. The speed of the wind, as recorded by the anemometer at the Lincoln School of Agriculture, was about one o'clock yesterday sixty-four miles an hour. The lowest reading of the barometer previous to the commencement of the gale waa 29-19 S. Our Bangiora correspondent writes: — The eou'-woster which sprung up yesterday afternoon blew with great severity in the northern district, and hoavy ahowers of sleet and rain fell at intervals. The weather turned exceedingly cold, and aa no doubt a good deal of snow haa fallen on tho hills, some sharp frosts may be looked for. Our Kaiapoi correspondent writes:— The heavy winds wo have experienced during the laat few days culminated yeaterday at about noon in a south-west storm. Sheets of galvanised iron were blown off, many old roofs wero seriously damaged, and trees and telegraph polee levelled. A very severe storm passed over the ABhburton district yesterday. A verj Btrong wind from the south, accompanied with hail and rain, lasted for several hours. As the temperature was very cold it is feared that tber. was a heavy fall ol snow on the hills. Young lambs and fruit trees must have suffered conuidarably, bul no special damage ia reported. During the gale yesterday the large plate-glass window in the shop of Mr H, Okey, hairdresser, Colombo street, measuring abont 10ft by Bft, was blown in There had been a.slight cra_k fttjone-end.

The weather" experienced ia causing apprehension amongst sheepowners that a repetition may be experienced of the disastrous effects caused by a somewhat Bimilar storm on the samo date in 1887, when the early lamba died by thousands. There ia one thing to be remembered, however, in this connection : the lambing this year has taken place at least a month ! earlier than it did that season. The lambs will thus ba much more fit to stand the aevore weather: The eastern wall of a four-roomed house in Sfc Aaaph street, occupied by Mrs Tinion, was blown down by the gale about ten minutes to 3 p.m, yesterday. The house waß of wood, except the wall which fell, whi<jh waa of brick. It was owned by Mr Glanville. s^e wall of the next house, ocoufcied by Mra Kennedy, waa considerably damaged by the falling brieke. Some of Mrs Kennedy's furniture wa3 also damaged. Thi\ morning broke beautifully, and a lovely day succeeded to the boisterous weather of yesterday. The topß of the Port Hilla were covered with snow, which, however, soon disappeared. Mr Dombrain's pavilion at the Agricultural and Pastoral Show Grounde was blown about thirty yarda and left on ita side, and the publican's booth was wrecked by the gale of yesterday.