DESTRUCTIVE CYCLONE.

Kumara Times, Issue 1076, 12 March 1880, Page 4

DESTRUCTIVE CYCLONE.

News received in Sydney from Noumea to the 7th instant states that on the 24th January a cyclone swept over New Caledonia. It was the heaviest ever remembered, and did a great amount of damage in Noumea and and suburbs, and in the plantations up the country. It destroyed the trees, which were uprooted or denuded of branches. After the cyclone, heaps of ruins were seen in many parts of the town, During the storm the harbor was completely invisible owing to a thick fog, caused by the rain and spray. All the small boats were wrenched from their anchors, and swept on to the piers. Fourteen vessels disappears 1 at sea, and are supposed to have foundered or been driven ashoce. Dp to the 7th February 41 persons were known to have been drowned. During the height of the gale signals of distress were heard from the war steamer Caledonienne, but those on shore were unable to go to the rescue of the vessel. However, she rode out the storm. The lighthouse, 80ft high, resisted the storm, but all the adjoining buildings were destroyed. Two immense stone buildings on the island Ferez net were destroyed, and the steamship agency was greatly knocked about, nothing but the bare walls remainin' All the military and public buildings suffered greatly. Three men were severely injured in releasing the horses from the stables. At He Non, a place reserved for condemned criminals, the church, workshops, and barracks were levelled to the ground. The rivers rose to a great height, carrying bridges away, and also the telegraph lines. The Gladiateur pilot cutter was one of the first to sink, and the craw of six were drowned. The Government has granted IOO.OOOf. for the present relief of the sufferers. Additional Noumea news states that a public subscription has been started, liberally headed by the Governor and the Ministry, and 400 soldiers have been distributed amongst the people to assist to build up the damaged dwellings. In addition to the Gladiateur, four schooners and two cutters foundered or were driven asho-e, and the crews lost. Several bodies have been recovered. The centre of the hurricane passed oyer Loyalty Island, causing terrible destruction at Lifou, where the commodore’s house and Protestant mission were wrecked. The morning after the hurricane at Noumea it was perfectly calm.