TERRIFIC GALE IN NEW SOUTH WALES

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 2179, 18 June 1914, Page 5

TERRIFIC GALE IN NEW SOUTH WALES

FIERCEST FOR YEARS

HEAVY DAMAGE REPORTED

By Toloimrih—Pros Association—Oooyrizhl (Roc. June 17, 5.50 p.m.) Sydney, June 17. A terrific gale, accompanied by thunder and lightning, swept over the city and suburbs in tho early hours of the morning, causing much damage to property. Tho roofs of three cottages at Marrickriillo were blown off. Tho occupants of tho houses wero in bed. Three woro injured. Tho rain has ceased, hut a stronp, south-easterly gale continues, with mountainous seas on the coast. Vessels arriving in port report having been severely buffeted by last night's storm, which was tho fiercest known for years. Tho wind reached a velocity of sixty miles an hour. Many of the houses in the city and suburbs were unroofed, while considerable damage resulted from the havoc of tho flood waters in the low-lying districts, and to goods through broken roofs, windows, and submerged casements. A partially-erected factory at Alexandria was dismantled, the damage reaching £20(10. Two picture palaces which were being erected at Kensington and Bnudi were wrecked, while surfing sheds at various seaside resorts suffered .severely from tho high seas. A girl at Arncliff was blown into a pond, and rescued. , The gale was particularly sovore at Newcastle, tho velocity of the gusts reaching SO miles an hour. Ten vessels broko from their moorings, and four of them grounded. Many liotlses woro un. roofed and damaged. Coal-Irmding operations and work at the collieries were stopped. The coastal steamer Novelty is ashor,o at Swansea, and is likely to become, a total wreck. Her crew have bc?n landed safely. (Rec. June 17, 10 p.m.) Sydney, *une 17. During tho storm 2+ inches of rain fell in Sydney. A remarkable feature of the storm was the suddenness with ■which it rose and developed. Several vessels dragged their anchors in the harbour, but, excepting the wrecking of oil launches, the harbour shipping escaped damage. Telegraphic communication was dislocated, including the temporary stoppage of the La Perouso line. Tho country districts, so far reported, have suffered considerably. There havo been heavy snowfalls in the highlands, and several of'tho Blue Mountain trains have been badly delayed by the snow. (Rec. Juno 18, 0.15 a.m.) Sydney, June 17. The gale continues, but tho rain is more restricted. Many vessels are sheltering, while' others are standing off. At Newcastle and other harbours, steamers are unable to enter owing to tho high seas.

the Riverina, outward hound for Auckland (New Zealand), has not passed the Heads. She is anchored down the harbour owing to tho storni and the tremendous sea which is running outside.