DAMAGE IN ASHBURTON.

Star (Christchurch), Volume XLIV, Issue 191, 13 August 1931, Page 15

DAMAGE IN ASHBURTON.

Power and ’Phone Lines Came Down in Gale. (Special to the ** Star.”) ASHBURTON, August 12. One of the most severe north-west gales experienced for some time swept over the Ashburton County to-day. The gale commenced early this morning and lasted well on into the forenoon. At times it developed cyclonic force, raising clouds of dust and doing extensive damage to power telephone lines. Towards midday it moderated considerably, and a light shower of rain fell. A full report had not been received at the Power Board office this evening concerning the extent of damage to the electric power lines, but it was expected that the total number of poles blown down would be between forty and fifty. At Mayfield eight steel poles collapsed as the result of falling trees, while in other cases trees had fallen across the lines, but the poles were still intact. At Eiffelton it was reported that at least six poles had given way. At Mount Hutt, where the full force of the gale was felt, the electric power was cut off for a considerable period as the result of a number of poles in that district being blown down. Telephone lines suffered in all parts of the country, and communication with the outlying centres was cut off for the greater part of the day. Communication by telephone with Christchurch was cut off for an hour and three-quarters this morning, and at a late hour this evening only three out of six toll lines were in working order. Repair gangs experienced a busy day, and there were only six lines unrepaired when inquiries were made this evening. In the Mayfield, Methven and Hinds district a number of subscribers’ line! were out of order.