BIG STORM OFF AUCKLAND.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17352, 17 May 1924, Page 2

BIG STORM OFF AUCKLAND.

WRECKAGE COMING IN. BAROMETER DROPS FAST. Pe» Pkkss Associatiok. AUCKLAND, May 17. The barometer, at 29 degrees, is still falling, and the F'leet’s departure has been postponed till six o'clock, on Sunday morning. The foreshore at Devonport is strewn with the wreckage of small craft. Mr J. Patterson’s launch, one of the largest there, was destroyed. A very heavy easterly gale prevailed all last night, following a remarkable fall in the barometer, which registered 30 degrees on Thursday night. At midnight yesterday it read 29.55. at 2a m. 29.25, and at 9 o’clock this morning 29.2 and is remaining at the last reading. There are no reports of serious damage, but vessels approaching the port, advise by wireless that they have been delayed by storms.

STEAMERS DELAYED IN GALE. Pbr Pxxss Association. AUCKLAND, May 17. A severe easterly gale, accompanied by very rough seas, is blowing on the East Coast. Yesterday the Karori, bound from Westport to Auckland, reported that she was steaming against a gale, between Cape Maria and Cape Brett, and making very little headway. The vessel is bringing bunker coal for H.M.A.S. Adelaide and it is doubtful if the warship will be able to leave Auckland with the. Fleet. The Dorset, en route from Liverpool with 289 third-class passengers, was expected on Monday, but she wirelessed, “ Hope to arrive Tuesday; weather very bad.” The City of Adelaide, from New York, sent a wireless message; "Delayed by storm; hope to reach Auckland on Tuesday morning.” The Wairuna, on her way from San Francisco, was due at Wellington on Wednesday and will have to call at Auckland to replenish her bunkers. She is expected here to-morrow.