GALE AT ASHBURTON

Hokitika Guardian, 8 October 1928, Page 5

GALE AT ASHBURTON

extensive DAMAGE. (By Telegraph—Press Association). ASHBURTON, Oct. 8. A strong nor’-west w r ind which has been prevailing in the Ashburton County for the last two weeks reached a climax on Saturday evening when the gale attained hurricane force, lasting until daybreak yesterday morning. Roofs were lifted, off sheds and fences blown down, considerable damage being done. It is stated this was the worst wind storm in Aletliven and Halt ain districts for forty years.

On many County roads traffic was suspended, through the routes being blocked by trees. On one stretch of half a mile on Alford Forest district, sixty broken pines were counted. Electric.' light and telephone wires are clown, but it was stated that the Power Board’s loss in poles is less than in the August gale. The eastern portion of the borough was without power for three hours on Saturday evening and again during the night. Damage amounting to between £4OO and £SOO was done to the grandstand at the Ashburton racecourse, when the entire east end of the main stand was blown out. The mam roof sheltering one side of the horse stalls, numbering 30, was ripped off and the stalls were considerably 1 knocked about Another line of horse stalls was moved bodily. _____