A WHIRLWIND.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 10680, 29 January 1913, Page 4

A WHIRLWIND.

WITNESSED AT OXFORD. AN. - AWE INSPIRING SPECTACLE, An Oxford correspondent writes:—A remarkable whirlwind passed over tho Oxford district on Monday. It commenced in a small ploughed paddock belonging to Mr Isifcfc, and tlion crossed to Mr Brown's farmyard, taking up a shed in its course. After slinking the shed about tiio whirlwind dropped it in a. paddock of oats some distance away. It then crossed over near the Railway Station and came to the River Eyre. Here it lifted up a pood deal of sand and rubbish, and then proceeded in the direction of the Waimakariri River. Soon afterwards a huge cloud in tho heavens seemed to bo hastening to meet it, and in a short time the whirlwind was gathering up tons of water. 'J'lie cloud, which was growing blocker and blacker, was not immediately over tho spout, but a long way off. Tho whirlwind drew up the water to a groat height, and then' took a turn to tho south-west, travelling along nearly in a straight lino until it mot" tile cloud. Soon alter this the other end of tho cloud seemed to tvj dropping: tons of rain on the plains around \l3nrnfc Hill, occupied by Mr Hassctt. So terrible was the sight at oiio time that I caused all the doors and windows to bo made fast in case it camo my way. My house is on a, hi!i. and wo had a fine view. _ Through field glasses wo could distinctly see the water ascending, and revolving at- a j-erv great pace. Some seemed to fail down,"but it was -soon involved again and caught up. Tho whirlwind con).l be seen for a. long time. There was no rain at the time, and very little wind. No doubt many others saw it.