U.S.A. BLIZZARD.

Hokitika Guardian, 19 November 1924, Page 2

U.S.A. BLIZZARD.

CHEAT DLSI.OCATIOX. [Reuters Telegrams.] XEW YORK. Xov. IS. A sudden cold wave throughout the country, with a seveniy-niile-aii-hoiir gale, have followed the recent rainless snell that, was cabled on Xov. l.’tlli. The cold lias caused eight deaths from exposure, six of which occurred in Xew York, where the mercury, within twelve hours, was down to seventeen nlmve zero. rcpl'cienting a total drop of thirty degrees. Other coastal points registered declines exceeding forty degrees. The gales everywhere have aggravated the dilllciilties of transportation, and notably on tlie Croat Lakes, where traHii- is virtually at a standstill. At the same time, the forest lire hazards have been increased, because of a diHieulty in controlling the (lames. The Won!her Bureau declares that yesterday was the coldest. Xovcmlier 17th. ever recorded. The ferries throughout the country have been halted, since the small craft have been unable to maintain their dileetion in the treacherous winds. • The Federal Coastguards near New York ie. ,iied eleven men. win,-- small daft had been "hipped seaward.

Meanwhile tbe Rum Row. which lias been supplying the, holiday demands, is reported to have beetf “swept to bits.’’ Many of the liquor vessels are crippled, but there is a hope that they will be able to outlast the gale, after which they will seek some unguarded harbour to effect repairs. The recent lack of rain bad brought deceptively warm weather, but there was an unexpected drop- in tbe mercury and within two hours there came a change from autumn to winter. Central New York and the rural sections of the country saw -now Hurries swiftly followed by sleety rain. Northern winds have sweat tile countryside overturning farm houses, and tiproiting trees. Many of the farmers, who were not prepared for the sudden cold, narrowly escaped being frozen to death during their slcen. The sudden cold has aggravated the seasonal misery among the poor ill the cities. The municipal police have found dozens of folk asleep on the park benches where

they were found in a semi-conscious condition as the result of tin*' cold. These .sufferers were successfully treated at tile* hospitals. The pedestrians wen* constantly ill danger** in the streets through the wind ripping outnumerous display windows, and small signs, and also upsetting massive hoardings.