VIOLENT STORM IN CAMBRIDGE.

Waikato Independent, Volume IV, Issue 250, 12 July 1906, Page 5

VIOLENT STORM IN CAMBRIDGE.

A violent storm was experienced in Cambridge on Tuesday evening, at ten o'clock. The thunder was like the discharge of big cannon, while the lightning was of the most vivid description, surpassing anything of the kind ever known in this district before. The downpour of rain and hail was terrific, and the water-channels were quickly filled to overflowing, while houses creaked and rocked and windows rattled violently. From what we can learn, no damage was done in the town, excepting that the telephone wire at the waterworks was burnt by the lightning. At Cambridge West several windows in Mr Geo. Bailey's residence were struck by the lightning and the panes completely smashed. Several pieces of glass which have been left at the Independent office give one a good idea of the force of the electric current. Naturally enough, the inmates of the house were somewhat alarmed and Miss Bailey, who was seated near a window at the time the storm was at its height, received rather a shock. Some pine trees in front of Mr Bailey's place were also splintered and the bark stripped the entire length. Branches flew two chains away. A willow tree was set on fire and was still burning yesterday. A number of articles fell from the shelves at Mr 11. Gibbs' store, and the telephone bells were set ringing. The storm frightened a horse belonging to Mr P. Mack, butcher, and the animal ran into a barb wire fence and cut itself severely. Other horses also became startled, and galloped about the paddocks in a frantic state. The stoim lasted about half an hour, and those who were unfortunate enough to be overtaken by it are not likely to forget it for a long while.