WIND REACHES FURY OF GALE, ATTENDED BY HEAVY RAIN.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18452, 1 May 1928, Page 4

WIND REACHES FURY OF GALE, ATTENDED BY HEAVY RAIN.

r A storm cf unusual severity descended upon the city last night and raged until the early morning. It was unusual that the gale, which came from the east, should be attended by very heavy rain. Rain had ceased yesterday afternoon and although the sky remained overcast, the chances of the weather clearing looked promising. However, early last evening the wind freshened and a steady drizzle set in. By the time the amusement houses emptied their crowds, conditions were very much worse and verandahs and other places of shelter were quickly sought, to escape the heavy driving rain and strong wind. After midnight the gale appeared to reach the peak of its fury. With the dawning of to-day the gale abated, although rain continued to fall intermittently. A few scattered shows fell during the morning, but by noon there was a decided improvement. Trees suffered from the gale and on Park Terrace a big willow was uprooted and laid across the river. According to Mr J. Young. the Gardens escaped with minor damage only, although the work of tidying up will entail a good deal of labour. At Sumner very little damage was done as the borough is well sheltered from the cast. The surf was very heavy. The barometer to-day, registered 29.300, and was falling rapidly. Indications are for further rain, with wind from the south. It was reported from the construction camp that the level of the Waimakariri was normal. Shipping Delayed. A howling north-east gale which commenced last evening and steadily increased towards midnight, was experienced at Lyttelton. The storm was accompanied by heavy rain and a heavy sea was running outside the Heads. The Chatham Island steamer Tees, which was due to sail for Waitangi last evening, postponed her departure till to-daj', owing to the heavy weather. The Kennedy and Somerset were timed to leave port last night but the rain during the day delayed the departure. Little damage is reported, although fe number of fences were severely shaken and one or two were blown down. Rain this morning prevented watersiders from starting work till eleven o’clock, consequently further delays have been caused to shipping. It will / be to-morrow before the Somerset can leave for Tisnactt, The Kennedy will probably leave to-day, while the Tees is waiting for the sea to moderate. Early this morning there was a nasty northeast roll, and fishing boats were unable to put to sea. The ferry steamer Maori made a long trip to Wellington, not arriving till 9.20 this morning. At eleven o’clock this morning the barometer was down to 29.29, the lowest at Port for many months, a contrasli to the reading a few days ago when it was over 30.50.