A CYCLONE IN AUCKLAND.

Taihape Daily Times, Issue 220, 22 February 1917, Page 5

A CYCLONE IN AUCKLAND.

COMMUNICATION WITH NORTH INTERRUPTED. The most disastrous cyclone of some years past has, since Monday last, been gradually increasing in force, and from, all quarters come repoi'ts of extensive damage to railways, buildings, telegraphic 'comnunucationj plan tut ions, or* chards, and —in the direction in which it has been most felt —-the shipping connections within, and beyond the Gulf. Many vessels of varying sixes have been reported as having suffered either partial or total desptruction by the heavy seas which have washed them ashore, and risen so high that properties about the coast and on the beaches have in many instances been submerged.

At Orakoi, Biddick Bros.’ scow Excelsior was washed on to the rocks, and though not damaged during the forenoon to any great extent, every effort is being made to get her .off with this tide, as the sea is particularly strong near to the spot where she is ashore. The long bridge at Chelsea, which is used by workmen to reach the wharf, has been completely washed away, and this means of communication with Birkenhead has been cut off. In Shoal Bay the floodgate has been destroyed, and all along this section of the shoreline* small boats have been earned away and outbuildings either wrecked or carried away by the sea. The Craig scow Eimu is ashore at Waiheke, where she has been since yesterday. Near her,, on Hook’s Bay beach is the cutter Stag, belonging to the same owners. The Harbour Board’s tug Te Awhina left for tin? bay last night to attempt rescue work, but the heavy sea made it impossible, and the vessel returned to port this morning to report both sailers as being well on the beach. Shipping was also disorganised on the Mauukau. The Earawa arrived there, several hours late from New Plymouth. She had an exceptionally rough passage up the Coast. The cyclone had a devastating effect on fruit orchards, late apples and pears faring worst. In many instance;: the trees were wholly stripped of their fruit Auctioneers anticipate large consignments for their next sales. Promising tomato crops were entirely ruined as the result of the excessive moisture. The telegraphic service isfl-in a bad way. There is no communication with the North of Auckland, and fas far as th e Department have tested South they have found that there are many faults. Communication with Wellington, Na pier, Gisborne,. Wauganui, and New; Plymouth continues, but a number of the smaller offices are at present cut off. There are several poles down neat; Morrinsvillc, and no doubt there are others owing to the terrific gale. The Railway Department have re* ecived advice of considerable damage to the lines in the immediate vicinity of Auckland.

On the Kaipara line two rather serious washouts occurred just immediately north of Kaukapakapa. The land is* rather low - lying at this part. Up to the time of our going to press no advice had boon received as to the condition of affairs at the Woodcpeks tunnel, but it is anticipated that the very, heavy rain experienced during the night will seriously retard the work of repairing the line.

On th» Thames line traffic has been entirely suspended between Thames and Paeroa. A large number of washouts hav e occurred in this district, and in many places the line is under water for some considerable distance. The northern train from Paeroa to Auckland was considerably delayed between Te Aroha and Waitoa owing to two large trees being blown across the lino, and carry* lug the telegraph line with them.