STORM DAMAGE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 83, Issue 15, 19 January 1939, Page 6

STORM DAMAGE

ELECTRIC-POWER LINES MOST EXTENSIVE IN LOCAL EXPERIENCE Although it is three days since the severe gale and electrical storm broke over Wanganui and district there are still considerable repairs to be carried out to power and telephone lines. “The storm damage throughout the district was the most extensive we have ever experienced,” said the Wanganui-Rangitikei Electric-power Board engineer, Mr. H. Webb, last night. The most serious damage occurred at the Okoia sub-station said Mr. Webb, when the switch had blown, plunging Wanganui East into darkness for li hours. It would be a week before repairs could be affected, a feeder service being established in the meantime from Aramoho. Lines were down in many country districts, but until telephonic communication was re-established, the extent of the damage could not be ascertained. Power failures had been frequent throughout the city, but with the exception of a few street lights, the service had been restored to normal.

WOMAN BLOWN OFF STATION

REMOVAL TO HOSPITAL TERRIFIC GUSTS RECORDED AT OHAKEA. PALMERSTON N., Jan. 18. Although high westerly winds continued to sweep over the Manawatu district yesterday, they were less strong than those which were experienced during the week-end. It is reported from the Royal New Zealand Air Force Aerodrome in Ohakea, where the latest wind recording instruments are installed, that the anemometer on Monday recorded a wind velocity of 74 miles an hour at 9 a.m., and several times during the day reached 80 miles an hour. There was a dust storm at the aerodrome, the wind sweeping up dust from where levelling work is in progress, and large clouds were blown over Sanson township, depositing dirt in all directions. Woman Blown Off Station. A report from Hukanui, near Eketahuna. states that while Mrs. Elizabeth Sparkes, Auckland, was standing on the station platform she was caught by a particularly strong gust and blown on to the track. She was waiting to board a train for Palmerston North. She was admitted to hospital, and her condition is satisfactory. Throughout the Manawatu district haymaking is at a standstill. A considerable quantity of hay which lay on the ground before Saturday has been blown away, and can be seen entwined in power poles and fences. It is believed that losses of hay by farmers will be considerable. Cowshed Demolished At the height of the storm in Carnarvon last night a cowshed was demolished by the wind, and another had the end blown out. In Feilding the wind damaged the roof of a store. Considerable damage was done to telephone and power lines in Woodville. The roof of a lean-to motorshed at the police station was stripped of iron and a chimney extension was dislodged. A galvanised iron fence was blown down in Ormond Street, Palmerston North. Damage has been confined mainly to gardens, fences, wireless poles end orchards.