SEVERE WEATHER IN THE SOUTH.

Taranaki Daily News, 22 July 1918, Page 4

SEVERE WEATHER IN THE SOUTH.

FURTHER l-'ALL OV SNOW. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Obristelrarcli, July 20. Heavy snow is falling at Otira, 9in having ibeen registered up to 3 p.m. Christelmreh, Last Night. Christohurch and the surrounding districts this afternoon are lying under % mantle of snow, over 4in deep in the open. As fur « s is known, similar conditions prevail throughout Canterbury, although no information is obtainable yet from country districts. A heavy south-west gale Mew last night, accompanied by heavy rain.- Snow commenced to fall early this morning, and continued steadily until midday. At times it was accompanied by a very strong south-west gale of Antarctic keenness- The tram service was disorganised, and all forms of locomotion very difficult. The ferry steamer Mararoa reached Lyttelton just before 9 o'clock this morning, after a very boisterous trip of eighteen hours from Weilington.At 6 o'clock further snow was threatening. Wellington, Last Night. There were several light falls of snow. to-day—a rare occurrence in Wellington —and, though the snow melted on the lower levels, the hillg surrounding the city showed white this afternoon. Mr. Bates, speaking at 5 p.m., said that though the snow was not over yet, the prospects are that the storm will ' clear within 3 hGours. Telegraphic communication with Christchurch was lost this morning, but in the afternoon me direct wire was working there, and one to Greymouth.