SHOWER OF SOLID MATTER.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume 6, Issue 1649, 1 April 1884, Page 2

SHOWER OF SOLID MATTER.

:A Kimberley (South Africa) newspaper says:—We were informed yesterday of the occurrence at Glen Grey, about 12 miles from Queenstown of a phenomenon which while it lasted nearly terrified the white and native population out of their wits. On the afternoon of Wednesday a thick shower of matter, presenting a whito sulphurous appearance fell in the valley in which this village is situate, and passing right over it from east to west, covering the entire surface of the country with marble sized balls of an ashy paleness which crumbled into powder at the slightest touch. The shower was confined to one narrow. streak,, and while it lasted, we are told, the surrounding atmosphere remained unchanged and clear, as it had been before. Great noises accompanied the shower, and so frightened the people working in the fields, who were at first under the impression that it was n descent of firo—tiio white substar.ee glistening in the sun—that on perceiving it they fled. into.their houses for shelter. No damage was caused by what fell, and upon examination of tlio substance afterward, it was found to be perfectly harmless. At first the little balls were soft and pulpy, but they gradually became dry and pulverised, crumbling at tho touch. We have before us a piece of earth on which one of them fell, and the mark left behind resembles a splash of limewash or similar matter, It does not smell of sulphur.