KING COUNTRY SNOW

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 98, 16 July 1927, Page 13

KING COUNTRY SNOW

DAMAGE AT OHAKUNE Ohakune was the scene of one of the biggest snow storms in its history on Wednesday night and Thursday morning. Snow fell for a period of 13 hours during which time approximately 14in. fell. The snow was of a very dry and powdery nature, and settled quickly, although the ground had been previously well-soaked by rain. The fall did extensive damage to the Post and Telegraph lines, and also the electric light lines. Communication both north and south was for a time, cut off, and local telephones were nearly all out of order. The electric light department, too, had its hands full, the employees being up practically the whole of the night attending to damage. The power was off all day Thursday until 5.30, when the town lights came on. It will be a day or so before all lights in the borough are again in working order. Much amusement was caused by cars endeavouring to plough through the snow. Some were able to win through after much difficulty. Snowballing was the order of the

day on all sides, and wherever one went snow fights were .to be seen in full swing.' No class distinction was made either in the case of respected citizens, cars or dogs, all having to run the gauntlet. The native bush and houses, etc., presented a very picturesque » ene covered with their mantle of white. All expresses were lute in getting through to Ohakune. Several of the travellers, upon arrival, indulged in a little snow-fighting, and seemed to thoroughly enjoy it. Snow north and south of Ohakune was much heavier. At Karioi over two feet fell, and traffic of any kind found it impossible to plough through. At the Borough Council meeting last evening the engineer reported that he had shut off the power at 3 a.m. He saw some of the lines slipping, so he took precautionary measures to avert any accidents. He considered it would take about one month to complete the repair work on the electrical system. Concentration was being made in the business area, so that lighting and power would be restored as soon as possible. The electrical system on the Parapara Road and at Ruatati are both In a very bad state. Endeavours were being made to get the electrical pump working so as to feed the reservoir.