DUNEDIN HURRICANE

Hokitika Guardian, 21 October 1931, Page 2

DUNEDIN HURRICANE

DAMAGE OF MANY THOUSANDS. (By Telegraph,—Per Press Association) DUNEDIN, October 20. A hurricane gale raged in Dunedin from dawn to-day. A 9000 ton tanker, the Yacuoline, was in difficulties shortly after 7 o’clock, being caught broadsideron by the gale. Sue was carried out from her berth, taking with her 30 feet of the wharf, to which she had been moored. After an anxious time the Yacuoline was anchored, bow on to the gale, and she rode out the storm safely, although the tug Dunedin stood by in case of emergency. Every suburb had its toll of deroofed houses, destroyed hoardings and femes and broken electric and telephone wires. Port Chalmers and the northern area were without any power during the morning, gangs of men being unable to locate the break. The total damage will run into many thousands. The damage to the AVingatui grandstand alone will cost a few thousand to repair. I'lie wind moderated after mid-day, and by evening it lin’d died down to a breeze. WIDESPREAD HAVOC. DUNEDIN, October 20. A survey of the damage caused b.v the gale, shows that, whilst householders will suffer a fairly heavy loss, no ease (?f personal injury is reported. 'Pile public buildings generally stood the gale well, although several city and suburban schools and churches bad their windows blown in, and the roofing carried away. The districts on the harbour side felt the full force of the gale, but, whilst the le-idemes <pod with minor damage, many outhouses and garages were levelled to the ground. Several launches broke from their moorings, and were washed ashore. Considerable loss was experienced by motorists by the hoods of cars being carried away. The household gardens naturally suffered heavy damage.