CYCLONES IN NEW CALEDONIA.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2445, 9 March 1909, Page 2

CYCLONES IN NEW CALEDONIA.

MUCH DAMAGE DONE.

The F.M.S. Pacifique, which arrived at Sydney from Noumea recently, brought additional information of the results of the terrible cyclone Avhicb swept over the French colony of New Caledonia on February 11. The east coast received the full force of the cyclone, but winds of hurricane strength were experienced throughout the island, and communication Avas completely cut off between Noumea and the interior for three days. At Noumea, and in the vicinity the damage was considerable. Pences and trees wore blown doAvn, and the semaphore mast Avas also broken. In the harbor the small pilot vessel Dumbea dragged her anchors, and was blown, ashore on' Maitre Inlet. The ketch -Loyalty went ashore on Chaleix Point. It is expected that both vessels will be floated off again. - At the Dumbea the river flooded the valley, ruining a number of plantations. At Thio the floods destroyed the bridge over the river and a great part of the traniAvay to the mines. At Konaona the steamer Niaouli, the ketch Ponpinee, and the punts .used by the Nickel_ Society for loading ore A\ere all considered 'as lost. -At La Foa over a mile of roacLvay aauas torn up, a number of huts Avere blown doAvn,«and plantations devastated. The bridge recently built withstood tlie flooded river, but the water passed completely over the top rail. Brief reports of houses having been shattered and maize and coffee crops ruined were coming to. hand sloAvly, and full details were not known when the Pacifique left Noumea. It was certain that Canal a, Bourail, and Poro had suffered in common with other places.