BITTER WEATHER

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 262, 24 July 1918, Page 6

BITTER WEATHER

LOW TEMPERATURES EVERYWHERE

A FAR-SPREAD GALE

The etrong southerly breeze that blow steadily throughout yesterday had a kniie-iiko edge, well in keeping with the coldest .snap experienced in Wellington for many years past. At 9 a.m. yesterday the thermometer (official reading) registered 1C degrees in the shade, which se.u'eely reflected the bito of the southerly. Wellington was by 110 means the coldest place in New Zealand yesterday. At Greymouth tho reading was 39 degrees; Christchurch,' 38 degrees; and icviley, T( degrees. Auckland had all tho advantage with 53 degrees. A little rain fell during yesterday atternoon, but nothing to speak of. Except in out-of-the-way, exposed corners the snow on the Tinafcori Mills and on the ranges beyond Khandallaii has disappeared. Tho official prognastieation was for a decreasing southerly gale, cold, showery weather, and hard frosts inland during the night. In his remarks on the snowfalls in Wellington city on Sunday and Monday morning, the Government Meteorologist stated that it was the heaviest fall since 100-1. There are several who remember Ilic snowfall of that year, who agree that the lull at the beginning of the week was a good deal heavier than that of lflil-1, so far as the city itself was concerned. One old resident, speaking to a Dominion representative, stated that on one occasion ho saw snow falling in the Mutt Valley for a few minutes as late as .November. He remembers the occasion quite clearly, as he was cycling at the Mine in company with hi,s son, and drew Ihe son's attention to tlio extraordinary occurrence.

The Manuka, had an exceptionally uncomfortable voyage from Sydney. She cleared the New South Wales port on Thursday, and on Saturday morning ran into a very strong southerly gale, which lasted for the rest of tho trip. Though the steamer knocked about a good ilem, it was not considered bad enough to heave to. No damage was done. Tho passage through Cook Strait was made in daylight, in accordance with the regulations.