A ROUGH EXPERIENCE

Hokitika Guardian, 22 April 1922, Page 2

A ROUGH EXPERIENCE

STORM CAUSES DAMAGE

Hokitika experienced a remarkably severe storm in the form of a young cyclone of winds and rain shortly before four o’clock yesterday afternoon. The day had been stormy, but at that hour there was a very heavy burat of rain, accompanied ‘by a great blow from the north-west. The rain came, down in a solid sheet, and the wind sprang round the compass with hurricane force to the south west. The outburst of fury lasted for a quarter of an hour and by that time the water channels were filled to overflowing and the streets looked like young rivers till the water had time to run away. The storm centre shifted with remarkable celerity and a few moments later the sun was shining weakly for a time. The storm had left a trail of damage behind it. The electric light poles caught the effect of the storm land in North llevell Street, Fitzherbert and Hampden Streets, some twenty poles were snapped off like carrots, bringing down the installation affecting these circuits and cutting off the light front that part of the own. The Electric Coy’s employees were soon at work clearing up the debris, hut the damage done is considerable, and the streetlights and current to private houses in the area affected were cut off for the night. Repairs were at once taken in hand.

There was also c-onsiderbale damage to properties in several parts of the town. Portion of the roof of the resienee of Mr A. Little in Park Street was whirled away, and portion of the roofing of Cameron’s stables, while fences, windows, verandahs and iron chimneys suffered in various places. The night continued very rough and boisterous, a heavy westerly gale blow ing with occasional very heavy showers, while a very rough ,sea came up the night being a very unpleasant one.

This morning the weather continues wet and stormy with quite a cold snap, the atmosphere being damp and wintry.