GREAT SNOWSTORM

Hokitika Guardian, 11 March 1931, Page 6

GREAT SNOWSTORM

ALL OVER BRITAIN. i United Press Association.—Pj Electric Telegraph.—Copyright. J RUGBY. March 9. London experienced the I max iest snowfall of the present winter to-day. which was the coldest day in March for several yea its "past. The streets were under snow from an early hour in the morning, and bv noon were buried to a depth of some inches. The traffic was slowed down and the traffic noises were silenced. Many accidents were caused by vehicles (skidding, and some of the roads on the outskirts of London, indudi two main roads to Southend. were impassable.

Traffic was held up owing to ice and snow in the Midlands and in the North of England, where, in sonic places, there were six feet snow drifts. Snow ploughs had to be used to clear the streets in certain East Coast towns. SEAS OK SLUSH RESULT. LONDON, March 9. There were remarkable scenes in London, where the blizzard brought fclie heavy horse-drawn traffic to a standstill. The snow was lour or live inches deep. Under its mantle of snow, London, for a brief space, became a silent, enchanted city, imparting a new beauty to its familiar architectural gems. Within an hour, more than a. thousand men. mostly unemployed, attacked the city with brooms and shovels. Ceaseless traffic then converted the snow into oceans of slush, oi winch there were copious streams on the pa vemen Ls.

.MAURITIUS STORM. THOUSANDS HOMELESS. LONDON, March 9. A telegram from the Governor o! '‘Mauritius to the Secretary lor the Colonies says that a preliminary inspection shows that the hurricane which occurred there lias caused -severe damage, and widespread distress. A large number of small dwellings have been demolished, and several thousands are homeless. The heaviest damage is reported in Moka and in tlw western suburbs ol Port Lewis. The Moka Hospital was badly damaged, and will probably have to be evacuated. Temporary relic! measures are in progress tor the lending and sheltering ol the homeless.

The loss of life so far reported is twelve, but the reports are incomplete as the roads arc blocked with dobi is. The damage to the can- crop', winch were exceptionally promising, will he severe. LONDON. March II). Obituary. Sir Allred Bobbins.