STRUCK BY LIGHTNING.

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 227, 25 September 1928, Page 10

STRUCK BY LIGHTNING.

ELECTRICAL TRANSFORMER.

POWER SUPPLY CUT OFF.

LOUD REPORT HEARD.

(By Telegraph.—Own Correspondent.)

WAIHI, this day.

During a severe thunderstorm thimorning an electrical transforme: i stationed in Kenny Street, near th< police station, was struck by a vivi< flash of lightning, which was seen run ning along the wires. A loud report fol lowed}- and then smoke was seen rising The transformer was blown out am in consequence the power and lighting supply in the central portion of the towi was cut off. The transformer, is under the contro of the Thames Valley Power. Board. Telephonic communication was als< interfered with to some extent by th< lightning. PINE TREE SPLUTTERED. During the thunderstorm articles wen knocked off shelves and panes of glasi were broken in a private residence ai Bulltown. Shop windows in the - towi were cracked, and one was broken out. A pine tree near the Waihi mine office about 80ft in height, was struck at a I point 20ft from the ground, and splintered, with the result that the uppei portion fell across the road. Four of the mine office windows were broken. In the company's fitting shop a [young man named Ernest Cunliffe I received a severe shock. He was holding I steel drill in a fire when the lightnins I struck it. '■ i Two electric storms, with heavy thunder, visited the town, the first at 7.30 and the second at 9.35 this morning.