LIGHTNING AND THUNDER STORM IN SOUTHLAND. —LOSS OF LIFE.

Daily Telegraph (Napier), Issue 3847, 15 November 1883, Page 3

LIGHTNING AND THUNDER STORM IN SOUTHLAND. —LOSS OF LIFE.

Invercaroill, This day

The Aveathcr for some days has been of a threatening character, and yesterday afternoon suddenly culminated in a hcaAy thunderstorm over the town, accompanied by a deluge of rain and hail. The moisture was much wanted, but unfortunately the storm Avas marked by a fatal accident. On the eastern confines of the t<nvn there is a small station known as Ellis Road, and Avhen the storm Avas at its height, about 4 p.m., several persons Avore there Availing the arrival of the out train from Christchurch. Among them Averc Messrs Arthur Crisp and F. G. Stone, prominent officials of tho OddfelloAvs, Manchester Unity, on their Avay to establish a lodge at Matuura. AVhile Avaiting at the door of the sheltershed a Aery vivid flash of lightning, which Avas remarked all over tho town, struck the station. Mr Crisp only survived the shock a short time. On the inner side of his leg tho representation of a tree Avas distinctly marked, as if photographed. Mr Stone was scorched doAvn the arm and dazed, Avhile others felt tho effect of the electricity in a .slighter degree. The weatherboards of the station were driven off and throAvn across the rails. The track of the electric fluid from one rail to another Avas plainly visible. The stud of tho building Avas shattered, and ono of the piles of the platform Avas split.

Mr Stone went home somewhat stunned. Mr Crisp was a laboring man, but very Avidely known in the district, being the leading spirit in benevolent and political affairs. He had been councillor of the Borough of South Invercargill, Avhcrc ho resided, and was N.G. of the District Lodge of Oddfellows, and in that capacity Avas making a survey. Ho leaves a Avidow and a large family of young children. A rumor, apparently Avell-foundcd, has been circulated to the effect that tAvo children named Eraser have been killed by liffhtning at the Gap-road station on the Northern line, about 17 miles from town. Their parents aro also said to be injured or prostrated by the calamity. The storm is unprecedented in its results in this district, Telegraph poles have been split, and the telephones in town were charged with electricity. The bells in the offices Avere ringing frequently.