The Late Gale

Feilding Star, Volume IX, Issue 103, 31 March 1888, Page 2

The Late Gale

The gale which visited us on Wednesday last was perhaps the hardest the colony has experienced since 1860 or 61, when, during the month of February, a similar storm came up from the southward, and left havoc and desolation in its track. This last gale had more opportunities to work up on, in the shape of public works, which in 1860-1 were undreamt of, and we find the lobs in money value to the colony will be considerable. In Wellington the results were very serious, as the tide waß exceptionally high, probably the highest ever experienced there, and the waves forced by the fierce wind against the protective works and ballast of the Welling-ton-Petone railway lino, doing damage which will need a month, at the least, to put in repair. The damage to shipping was very slight, owing to the exceptionally excellent moorings in the harbor, and the splendid wharf accommodation where vessels may lie in perfect security in all weathers. The freezing hulk Jubilee parted from her moorings owing to faulty tackle, but she has sustained little damage, and was making no water at last advices. The work of freezing is still proceeding on board as she lies alongside the railway wharf. The injuries to private property were comparatively trifling, and no loss of life has, happily, been reported. In Canterbury they were not so fortunate, and one man was seriously hurt. The wind got under the roof ofsome large stables built of brick, and lifted it up and down with such violence the building is now a perfect wreck. A number of chimneys were blown down, and corrugated iron was blown far and wide. Telegraph poles have been blown down in every direction. As the wires have been down, we have no information yet as to how people fared in Auckland, but the fact of telegraphic communication having been stopped is sufficient evidence they have not escaped scathless. It is a matter for congratulation that no wrecks or shipping disasters, accompanied by loss of life, have been reported. A few small vessels have been driven from their moorings in the various ports, but no more damage has been done than what could be made good with a few planks and a fresh coat of paint. In this district very littlo harm has resulted, beyond a chimney or two being knocked over, and a few panes of glass smashed. i