SEVERE STORM

Taranaki Central Press, Volume IV, Issue 435, 17 May 1937, Page 6

SEVERE STORM

DAMAGE AND FLOODING Auckland Experience Press Association —Copyright. Auckland. May 16. Auckland and the north were lashed by a storm of considerable severtiy over the week-end, damage and flooding being reported from many areas. The storm started on Thursday night, but eased during Friday afternoon. It gathered renewed force in the early hours of Saturday. It raged throughout Saturday, becoming worse in . the evening and reaching its height about, midnight. High winds .and, heavy rain continued until about 10.30 this morning, after which the wind dropped, although intermittent downpours were experienced.

The Marama, from Sydney, arrived shortly after midday to-day and was compelled to remain ,in the Stream until the storm abated. Twenty feet, of a retaining wall at Mission Blay was carried away, several dinghies were submerged and' a few. launches and yaqhts, W"re washed ashore undamaged except one which, was dismasted, in Hpbton Bay. Most of the pleasure crafts are now up on their slips after the close of the yachting season. Seas broke over the waterfront road between Mission Bay and Kohimarama about midnight on Saturday aii'S' a number of rocks from the hillside were brought down on to the road. Angry seas also caused discomfiture to North Shore residents whoke homes faced into the teeth of the gale, but erosion was prevented by retaining walls. Waves- crashing against the cliffs at Castor Bay flung spray to a great height, rnriny motorists visiting the scene to watch the Spectacle. Cellars were flooded in some city shops and minor flooding was reported' from the suburbs. Trees in gardens were blown down, some blocking roadways, and Coronation decorations were extensively torn.

Under the strain of the high wind an aerial mast, at the transmitter of Saation IZB Snapped in three pieces early this morning, carrying away electric power and telephone lines as it fell. The'mast, which was a wooidL en structure about. 60ft. high, was' fortunately supported by guys in such a manner that the broken pieces fell clear of neighbouring buildings. The only damage caused was to power and telephone lines. Repairs were made by midday.