DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 16 November 1915, Page 6

DISTRICT NEWS.

(From Our Own Correspondents.) •PUKEAEUHE, One of tlie most violent thunderstorms known for many years past was experienced in this district on the 11th. Thestorm, which commenced soon after midday, raged without cessation throughout the afternoon and until long after midnight. The vivid and phenomenal flashes of lightning, which were noted for their frequency and brilliancy, were a most magnificent and illuminating sight, not easily to be forgotten, and the voluminous rains that accompanied the roaring peals of thunderous artillery left no doubt in the mind of the uttermost inquisitorial as to whether the "inflated" or "electrical" tap had' ever been turned on to half, three-quarter or full-eock. On the 12th there was a marked and appreciative improvement in the climatic conditions, vide barometrical readings. A few weeks of nice, warm, seasonable weather would do an incalculable amount of good. The news that the Government has commandeered throughout the Dominion a third of this season's output from the various factories at 7'/id, f.0.b., should be welcome news to the farmers generalj ly. It is a sound and satisfactory price, and will doubtless have the effect of enhancing yalues for the balance of the product.

TONGAPORUTU. Nov. 14, 1915. About four weeks ago, the long spell of fine weather was completely broken., On Monday, 11th October, we had the pleasure of rain, hail, sleet and snow, followed by a fine spring day, on the 13th., From this date to the present time I am sure no one can growl, for we have broken all records as regards floods, and climatic changes. Spring, summer, autumn, and winter (capital W place). Last Thursday, about 11 a.m., distant artillery ws heard and by 1.30 we were receiving the full power of one of the severest and most persistent electric i storms we have over experienced. The • lightning was very close, some flashes being so close that one could feel the heat ■ of it. This settlement seemed to be the the centre of the storm. Heavy rain set in about 2 p.m., and continued all; the evening. About 0.30, a very severe i flash of lightning was followed by a loud ' peal of thunder, and caused the clouds I to unburden the water they contained,: and, then instead of raining, it caiuei down by bucket-fulls. At daylight on 1 Friday morning our river was carrying the biggest quantity of water for the. ; last 20 years. The damage to fillings on the road and approaches to the* various bridges between here and Awakino (13 miles), is estimated to cost £I3OO to repair. To-day (Sunday), I have only to say "Ditto Repeato." We are getting "a variety of weather I hear that Mr. Sharp, of Grey mouth, is to take over the roads, etc., in this district.