BAD WEATHER IN THE SOUTH.

Taranaki Daily News, 6 July 1918, Page 5

BAD WEATHER IN THE SOUTH.

SERKOJfi LOSS TO 6HEBPOWXEB9, By Telegraph.—Press Association. Christchurch, July 5. The electric supply is again available from Lake Coleridge, one transmission line having been restored late last night. Telegraphic communication to the North Island is confined to one line on the West Coast route, and there is no hopeful news concerning the East Coast lines. •- The weather has now cleared, but reports state that serious loss to sheepowners is expected, particularly in the back country. CONDITIONS IN CANTERBURY IMPROVING. Christchurch, Last Night. There are indications to-night of a northwest wind (warm) in the nowbound areas of Canterbury, in which ease the loss of sheep will not be bo heavy as at first anticipated. It is understood that in some districts to-day, under the influence of warm sunshine and a- northwest wind, about a foot of snow disappeared, and, from vantage points, the holes made l>y the snowed-in sheep are risible. There is only one telegraph line through to Wellington. Power is again being derived from Lake Coleridge, The Whitecliffs, Oxford, and West Coast railways are still snowbound- Much damage has been caused in the country through stables, barns, verandahs, and other buildings collapsing under the weight of the snow. SOUJPH CANTERBURY HAS© HIT. Mr. W. fl. Skinner, Commissioner of Crown Lands at Christohureh, received 1 information on Tuesday morning that there was 4ft of snow at the homestead at Mount Hutt, and as much as 10ft among the hills. The position in the, back country, he states, must bs serious, especially as snow is still falling. Mr. Skinner also recelvedword that oh tho flats at the Sherwood' Downs homestead (Fairlie district) there is 2ft 6in of snow. The indications all point to South Canterbury toeing severely hit. ffront reports already received, he anticipates that the North Canterbury back districts have also suffered severely. Some of the stationholders in the Mackenzie Country have, taken precautions, he learns, and stock may not be seriously] affected thero, in individual instances.— Press.