A COLD SNAP.

Press, Volume LX, Issue 18234, 19 November 1924, Page 9

A COLD SNAP.

SUDDEN CHANGE IN U.S.A.

DEATHS FROM EXPOSURE,

(bt cable—rßEss association—coprßTonT) (AUSTRALIAN AHD V.Z. CABUB AS^OCtATIOjr.) (Received November 18th, 9.45 p.Jtt.) NEW YORK. November 18. A sudden cold wave throu&hout the country, with 70-miles an hour gales, followed the rainless spell, causing oight deaths from exposure, six of which were in New York, where the mercury within 12 hours was down to. 17 degreos, representing a total drop of SO degrees. Other coastal points registered declines exceeding 40 degrees.' Galea everywhere aggravated difficulties of transportation, notably On the Great Lakes, where- traffic is virtually at a standstill, while forest fire hazards were increased because of the difficulty in controlling the flames. The weather bureau declares that yesterday wa3 the coldest November 17th ever recorded. Femes throughout the country halted, since small craft were unable to maintain their direction in the treacherous wind. Federal coastguards near New York rescued 11 men, whose small craft had been whipped seaward. Meanwhile "Rum Row," which has been supplying holiday demands, is reported to have been swept to bits. Many of the liquor vessels have been crippled, but there is hope that they will bo able to outlast the gale, after which they will seek an unguarded harbour to effect repairs.

. The recent lack of rain brought deceptively warm weather, but there waß an unexpected drop in the mercury, and within two hours came a change from autumn to winter. Central New York and rural sections of the country saw snow flurries, swiftly followed by sleety rain.

Northerly winds swept the countryHide, overturning farmhouses and uprooting; trees. Many farmers who were not prepared for the cold' narrowly escaped freezing to death during their sleep. ' The sudden cold aggravated the seasonal misery among the poor in the cities. Municipal polio© found dozens asleep en park benches in a semiconscious condition as a result of the cokl. These were successfully treated at the hospitals. Pedestrians wero constantly in danger in the streets through the wind ripping out numerous display windows and small signs, and upsetting massive hoardings. '