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HEAVY WEATHER

SNOWSTORM IN STRATFORD. THE LIGHT THAT FAILED. Yesterday wa < one of the coldest days experienced in Stratford for f number of years past. Light rain foil during the' onrly part of the afternoon, and about throe o'clock, the rain gave way to snow. The fall was very light at. first, but as evening approached, it gathered in intensity, and at live o'clock, snow was falling thickly. The storm did not last long, however, and by about 7.30, when the last flakes fell, nearly six inches was recorded. To add to the discomfort, the town's electric current failed at about 6.4-3 o'clock, and when the mail tram drew alongside the platform, the town unci .station were in darkness. Oil lamps were requisitioned, but the lighi was only sufficient for one to find his or her way from the station building. Travellers arriving at Stratford last night for the first time would have drawn their own conclusions or the place! The mail train was over half an hour late, there were no lights ono the station or in town, and about six inches of snow covered the platform ! Owing to the failure of the current, Mr F. Foley, of His Majesty's Theatre, was unable to show the pictures, and quite a number of residents wore turned away disappointed. The hotels were also in semi-darkness, randies, and oil lamps being brought into com* mission.

The fall of snow was very heavy at Waipuku, and a number of motor oars coming towards Stratford had to receive additional assistance or turn back.

The fun of snow-balling became fast and furious, and many a battle-royal was fought in Broadway and other parts of the town. Young and old mado the most of the opportunity, and there were some very amusing situations—amusing in most cases, that is, to the attacker, but far from pleasant to the passer-by intent on business 01 striding on with thoughts of a warm fire and the family circle. There was the case of the medical man in his car giving advice for a few minutes as best he could between volleys of snowbulls until he could stand it no longer; then, with a snort, he hopped out'and rushed one of his tormentors and at-

tempted to push him over, helping hrm on with a well-intentioned kick. As ihe irate medico went back to the car. the snowballers paid him back with interest 1

Then there was the bold man who challenged a young lady to a "dinkum" go on the road, and there was no one more surprised than ho when the reply came quick as a shot, "High Oh!" So she laid her basket on the sidewalk, and the pair went at it hot and strong. The challenger got all the "dinkum" hits he wanted. The crowd unanimously gave the verdict to the lady, who, after shaking hands with her beaten adversary, passed laughingly on. There was a case where a man's hat was knocked off in the darkness, and the perpetrator of the deed sot off for safety from the, angry pedestrian, who wasn't as slow as he looked, and running his quarry to earth, walked him back and made him find the headgear. In some centres of convivialty there was too much hilarity caused by the tricks of snowballers, and . the earlyclosing movement was anticipated, the front doors being closed as early as eight o'clock, and only the. old dog for the hard road round the way of the premises was able, after some explanation, to obtain a drink.

The school boys and girls to-day had some great set-to's, and seemed to thoroughly enjoy the snow. Indeed, taken altogether, there was everywhere a healthy tone of rivalry and good humor noticeable throughout. . At mid-day to-day, there were little signs of the fall, which, for the month of August, is considered remarkable. It is ten years since so much snow fell here. WILDEST FOR MANY YEARS. Per Press Association. Palmerston North, August 3. ■ The wildest weather for many yearn has been raging yesterday and to-day. Numerous fences were blown down and other damage reported. Railway traffic is disorganised. The line has been blocked near Tokomaru for some hours early this morning, passengers by expresses having to be transferred from one train to another. The gale reached its height about 10 o'clock to-day when further trouble was caused on the railway, the Paekakariki train being blown off the line near Tokomaru, all the vehicles except th ngin and one wagon leaving the rails. The guard's van failed to dear the line, causing a blockage ol the traffic. Nobody was hurt.

Permanent link to this item
Hononga pūmau ki tēnei tūemi

https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/STEP19160803.2.16.14

Bibliographic details
Ngā taipitopito pukapuka

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXI, Issue 4, 3 August 1916, Page 5

Word count
Tapeke kupu
771

HEAVY WEATHER Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXI, Issue 4, 3 August 1916, Page 5

HEAVY WEATHER Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXI, Issue 4, 3 August 1916, Page 5

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