TERRIFIC STORM

Evening Star, Issue 22465, 9 October 1936, Page 8

TERRIFIC STORM

RAGING IN MID-CANTERBURY COMMUNICATION SERVICES DISRUPTED [Per United Press Association.] CHRISTCHURCH, October 9. A terrific electric storm has been raging in the mountains from Springfield to Arthur’s Pass and also on the West Coast side of the divide. As a result direct telephonic and telegraphic communication is cut off and messages have to be sent via Blenheim. In addition, the automatic train signalling system has been thrown out of order and the trains between Christchurch and Greymouth have been hours late.

Tlie affected districts liave been experiencing a tearing north-west wind, with incessant thunder and lightning and heavy rain. All the rivers in the hi "her country are rising, and this morning it was doubtful whether the Post and Telegraph Department’s men would be able to get their cars through the Bruce and Cass Rivers to repair the damage west of those points. With yesterday’s rail-car accident in mind, the Railway Department’s officials were seriously considering cancelling this morning’s run of the Christchurch-Hokitika rail car, in view of the strength of the northwester. After consultation, however, it was decided to send the car away, but as with the steam trains it was held up at intervals to allow, for time-table crossings. A fearsome experience was undergone by the . passengers and crew on the night goods train from Greymouth to Christchurch. Usually this train reaches Christchurch at 6.5 a.m., but to-day it arrived at 10.34 a.m. A few passengers were transferred at Springfield to the train leaving there at 7.50 a.m., and they arrived at Christchurch 27 minutes before the arrival of the goods train. A guard who left Christchurch about 6 o’clock last night on the_ Christ-church-Greymouth goods train and transhipped at Arthur’s Pass to the train travelling from the Coast, declared that ho had never experienced anything like the thunder, lightning, wind, and rain on the line from Springfield to Arthur’s Pass. Such was the strength of the wind, he said, that it was impossible to stand up against it.