SEQUEL TO THE STORM.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 3224, 22 May 1911, Page 4

SEQUEL TO THE STORM.

WINTRY WEATHER.

COASTAL MAILS’ DELAYED.

During the past week Gisborne and the surrounding districts have experienced very unfavorable weather, and yesterday there seemed to be every prospect of it continuing. Though there was nothing of the violence that characterised Wednesday’s storm, the weather at the time of writing was decidedly wintry. On Saturday it was exceptionally cold, and the south-east wind which Las prevailed recently showed no sign of abating yesterday. There were several heavy showers, and. continuous high seas on the coast; while in the surrounding districts a good deal of rain has fallen with the result that the rivers are above normal, but there is no reason to fear an overflow. It has been reported to the postal officials that a bad slip occurred about four miles on the town side of Tiniroto, but it was hoped to have the obstruction removed by this morning so that the Gisborne coach could get through. Tiniroto has experienced very bad weather, while at Nuhaka it is said the conditions were almost equal to those that pertained during the flood at Easter. 1910. Three small bridges ihave been washed away. Packhorses bad to be requisitioned on Friday to convey the mails to the coast, and they duly reached Tologa in the evening. Mails for districts north of Tologa were also forwarded by packhorses on Saturday morning, and newspapers and heavy mail matter is being detained at Gisborne until suitable arrangements can be made for transport. The special coach sent up with, mails on Saturday morning could not cross the Pouawa river, and had to return to Gisborne, but another effort- will be made to-day to reach the coast with them. Mails for Huaroa have also to be detained on account of the swollen state of the river.

Owing t-o the heavy sea that was running and the insufficient depth of water in the channel on Saturday morning, the s.s. Ripple was unable to come up to the wharf, and the vessel sheltered under Young Nick’s Head. Tlie Tuatea went out later in the day and brought ashore the mails, which consisted of SO bags and 20 hampers. The Ripple came up to the wharf yesterday morning.

SQUALL HAVING A ROUGH TIME.

LOSS' OF PAR-T OF FUNNEL REPORTED.

The Union Co.’s Squall has, from all accounts, been haring a rough time on the coast. She was reported to have left Auckland at 6.30 p.m. on Monday, loth inst., and was reported from Tologa Bay on Friday. The latest report is to the effect that she has suffered somewhat from her experience. It is stated that Captain Wallis reports that 'while the vessel was trying to make headway against the gale which she encountered, the terrific draft caused by the wind, res ulted; in her funnel becoming overheated, and it gave way under the strain put upon it. The upper portion of the funnel is now said to be hanging By a few shreds of steel, and it is expected that considerable pairs will be necessary. The vessel was expected to arrive yesterday, but as slie did not make port it was concluded that she remained in shelter at Tologa Bay. The weather throughout yesterday was uncompromising. and heavy squalls with thick mists swept over the bay from time t-o time. Late last night, however, the barometer gave promise of some'moderation in the conditions, and if the weather improves the Squall should arrive some time to-day.

SGUNDINCS IN THE RIVES.

A SATISFACTORY REPORT

Soundings were taken in the river yesterday morning to ascertain the effects of the recent storm, and the results turned out to be -most satisfactory. Captain Harper, who took the soundings, states that’ the soundings were taken at about half tide, and a clear fifteen feet of water was registered in the channel from the Haiti Bridge to the end of the breakwater. It is estimated that at low water there will be a clear twelve feet of water in the channel.

THE POSITION AT HASTINGS.

{.pee press association.! HASTINGS, May 20. The -railfall was 5.10 in -*S tours. More rain is threatening.