A DESTRUCTIVE TORNADO.

Hokitika Guardian, 19 June 1917, Page 3

A DESTRUCTIVE TORNADO.

GREAT SMASH AT HUNTLEY,

Per Press Association.—Copyright

HAMILTON, June 18

A most destructive tornado or whirlwind occurred at Huntly yesterday morning, tlie like of which has never been experienced in the district. When first noticed it struck a milking shed of W. G. Raidall’s a halfcaste, who resides opposite the Kimihia Cemetery, on the. west side of the river, about two miles below Huntly. Here it picked up a big wagon, smashing it to matchwood.

It then came, across the river, picking up water en route, and. sending it 60 feet high. It next struck .the cemetery smashing fifteen headstones into atoms.

It then crossed the road, striking tho house of James Dooley, a nephew and niece, Mr. Guineas and Miss Mary Patterson. They heard the tornado approaching and went outside, but not anticipating danger returned. The tornado, however, shortly afterwards struck the dwelling with great force, tearing it from the Weeks and carrying it between 100 to 200 yards and reducing it to matchwood

Tho occupants, with the exception of Miss Patterson, managed to escape, but tho unfortunate young lady was carried about 30 yards with part of the fast disappearing building 'before rescued. She appeared to be badly knocked about, and was immediately conveyed to the, Waikato Hospital,.where she was found to be badly bruised on tho body in addition to being cut about the head and face, necessitating in all the putting in of sixteen stitches. At, tho Dooley place' the whirlwind picked up a spring cart and sulky and carried them about 200 yards, smashing them to bits. It then mde towards the old coal mine at Kimihia, and struck Mrs. Russel’s milking shed, picking it up together with a separator and considerably damaging the same. An eye witness states that as the tornado was crossing the river sheets of iron and limbs of trees could be seen flying through the air. The track of the tornado was about twenty yards wide, and the sight of its devastation to those outside its range was very impressive and awe inspiring, spiring.