SNOW IN WAIRARAPA

Wairarapa Times-Age, 10 July 1939, Page 4

SNOW IN WAIRARAPA

THICK COATING ON HILL COUNTRY BITTER WEATHER CONDITIONS YESTERDAY. CULMINATION OF SOUTHERLY STORM. An extensive snowstorm enveloped the Wairarapa yesterday' and hill country on both sides of the Valley and to the north was soon clothed in white. In Masterton and in other towns of the valley, snow fell at intervhls yesterday, but it quickly disappeared on the lowlands. The conditions generally were very bleak and nearly everyone was complaining about the cold bite in the atmosphere. This morning the Tararua Ranges presented a beautiful spectacle, with their snow-capped peaks glistening in the sunshine while lower down could be seen the powder-flecked forest, under which the snow was mostly hidden from view, while in the open country on the foothills, a white mantle added an effective base for the picturesque mountain setting. Two members of the Wairarapa Tramping Club, Miss V .McKenzie find Mrs C. Torr, set out yesterday morning for Mount Holdsworth and the snow on the summit with the intention of enjoying some skiing. They encountered very heavy snow in the bush and with the limited time at their disposal were only able to reach the mountain house nor could they find any conditions suitable for skiing. About thirty skiers from Wellington, however, who reached the lan Powell Hut on Friday night, were more fortunate and were able to enjoy excellent skiing throughout Saturday and Sunday. To those familiar with Mt. Holdsworth, the fact that only the tips of the bushes could be seen across Pig Flats indicates the heavy nature of the fall. Snow commenced to fall on the Maungaraki Ranges at about 11 a.m. yesterday, and continued until 2 p.m., covering the hills right down to the foot near Gladstone to a depth of about six inches. The Te Wharau district experienced the heaviest fall for some years, anything up to 4 inches being recorded. A heavy frost followed and this morning the snow was like frozen glass. The fall also extended to the hill country to the north of Masterton, Rangitumau Hill and the flats as well being thickly covered and the Mau; riceville district being likewise affected. “It is thicker than we like to see it,” said a Rangitumau resident this morning, who stated that the stock was being fed as no grass was visible. On the Maungarakis the sheep were able to seek the shelter of areas of native bush. Fortunately, lambing has not yet started, though it is stated that snow at this period affects the ewes later on. Th,e weight of snow on the face of the Masterton town clock - caused a stoppage of the hands at 1.45 p.m. yesterday. THE RIMUTAKA ROAD The Rimutaka Hill Road was in a more or less dangerous condition yesterday as the result of a fairly heavy fall of snow. Early yesterday afternoon a number of cars were held up and in some instances minor mishaps occurred, as the result of cars skidding. Automobile Association patrols were on the scene and gave every assistance. After 5 p.m. it was impossible for traffic to use the road and many cars were turned back.

CONDITIONS ELSEWHERE

BLEAK WEATHER FAIRLY GENERAL.

According to reports from other parts of New Zealand, snow has fallen in many places in both Islands. The heaviest fall ever recorded occurred on Mt. Te Aroha (3000 ft. The hill country of Hawke’s Bay and parts of the Waikato are also 1 under snpw, which has blocked the Napier-Taupo Road. Wanganui experienced an exceptionally heavy hailstorm. Skiing has been possible on Flagstaff Hill, Dunedin.