Destructive Gale

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVII, Issue 24, 18 June 1914, Page 5

Destructive Gale

MUCH DAMAGE IN SYDNEY AND SUBURBS.

MOUNTAINOUS SEAS ON THE COAST

STEAMERS AGROUND.

By Cable--Press Association—Copyright Received 17, 9.50 pjn. Sydney, June 17.

Rain has ceased, but a strong southeasterly gale continues. There are mountainous seas on the coast and vessels arriving were severely buffeted in last night's storm, which was the fiercest for years. The wind reached a velocity of sixty miles an hour. Many houses in the city and suburbs were unroofed and damaged. Considerable havoc was caused by flood waters in low-lying districts, and to goods through broken roofs and windows and submerged basements.

A partially-erected factory at Alexandria was dismantled, the damage amounting to £looo.' Two picture palaces in course of erection at Kensington and Bondi were wrecked.

Surf Bheds at the various resorts suffered severely from the high seas.

A girl at Arncliff was 'blown into a pond, but was rescued.

The gale was particularly severe at Newcastle, gusts attaining a velocity of eighty miles an hour. Ten vessels broke away from their moorings, and four went aground. Many houses were unroofed and damaged. Coal loading and the collieries hav« stopped. The coastal steamer Novelty is ashore at Swansea, and is likely to become a total wreck. The crew landed safely.

COUNTRY DISTRICTS SUFFER HEAVILY.

Received 17, 10 p.m. Sydney, June 17.

During the storm two and a-quarter inches of rain fell in Sydney. A remarkable feature was the suddenness with which the storm rose and developed. Several vessels dragged their anchors in the harbor, but excepting the 'wrecking of some oil launches, they escaped damage. Telegraphic communication is dislocated, including a temporary stoppage of the La Perouse line. '

Country districts so far reported have suffered considerably. There were heavy snowfalls on the high lands, and several Blue Mountain trains were badly' 'delayed by the snow.

SHIPPING INTERRUPTED.

Received 18, 12.15 a.m.

Sydney, June 17,

The gale continues, though the rain has lessened. Many vessels are sheltering, but others are standing off Newcastle and other harbors, being unable to enter on account of the high seas.

Received 18, 1 a.m. Sydney, June 17.

The Rivcrina, which arrived to-night, did not pass the heads, but anchored down the harbor, owing to the storm. There is a tremendous sea outside.