POWER LINE BREAKS

Hokitika Guardian, 28 January 1929, Page 8

POWER LINE BREAKS

LIVELY TIME IN MILKING SHED-. WANGANUI, January 25. Mr A. J. Glasgow and family, who live at Fordell, had an exciting experience to-day when, at the height of the gale, the 11,000-volt power line, carrying current between Marton and Hunterville. came down in the vicinity o.i the milking shed. Milking was in progress. and the wire fence, tank, am floor became alive. A cow coming in contact with the fence toppled over. The rest of the herd, sensing trouble gathered at the spot. Seven cows received a shock and were stunned, hnl only one succumbed. Mr Glasgow jnr. seized a bucket from the door and was unable to let go until clear of tli electrified ground. A little later a Maori in search, of a drink approached ti.e tank and was compelled to dance a naka to bring himself clear of the current cii the floor. The city power was also effected by the trouble, and the tram service was twice disorganised. Power was also out off from factories and mills.

The gale raged all last night, increasing a.s dawn approached, and fences were flattened in all directions. Wireless masts also suffered. The city Council’s goods shed was blown down. The debris covered the railway line and the incoming train from Palmerston North was delayed. Several trees were rooted up and windows and shutters blown in. During the day several elderly people were blown down in the streets hut no one suffered serious injury. Big seas are running on the river liar and along the coast. The wind is still high, though it lias abated somewhat since the, morning.