WAKE OF TORNADO

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 72, Issue 150, 25 June 1929, Page 7

WAKE OF TORNADO

PALMERSTON NORTH STRUCK BUILDINGS WRECKED IN WHIRLWIND'S TRACK RESIDENTS SUFFER ALARMING EXPERIENCES SCHOOLBOY PICKED UP AND DEPOSITED IN DRAIN (Per Press Association). PALMERSTON NORTH, June 24. A tornado descended upon Palmerston North at 3.25 p.m. this afternoon, swept across the corner of the borough, and demolished chimneys, fences, and trees and unroofed houses. • Occupants of dwellings suffered alarming experiences. One lady was jammed in a door, which swung closed on her, s.n<l it took the united efforts of three persons to relieve her. Where the wind entered through roofs, rooms were turned into a chaotic condition. Linos were lifted off floors and bundled up in twisted heaps, pictures were smashed and furniture was streM’n about. Roofing iron was carried hundreds of yards like pieces of paper. Despite the dangerous nature of the flying iron, nobody was reported hurt, although a boy returning from school was picked up by tho whirlwind and deposited in a drain, suffering cuts to his knees. The corner of the roof of the Girls’ High School was ripped off, the tiles being deposited on the lawn. Classes were in progress at the time, and the pupils were thoroughly frightened. The track of the whirlwind M’as about two chains wide, and was traceable to-night for at least four miles. Telephone lines were brought down. The nature of the damage outside the borough is not ascertained at the present time.