Worst Snowstorm For Sixty Years Say Old-Timers

This winter's wild weather reached a climax in mid-July when most of the East Coast hill-country was transformed by a vicious southerly storm into a fairyland of snow-mantled mountains. It was the worst snowstorm for 60 years, according to old-timers in the Tiniroto district. For a brief couple of days, the country took on an alpine splendour (see cover picture). Motorists made special trips to see such wonders, and aeroplanes flew overhead so that pictures could be taken.

Unfortunately this unaccustomed orgy of scenic grandeur brought its own inevitable hangover. On Thursday and Friday, July 14 and 15, the snow stopped falling and the rains came. Torrential downpours in the back country melted the snow, and the combined run-off from the already soggy landscape produced the worst flood since 1948.

In the cover picture and its sequel on Page 2, close observers will be able to note the enormous rise which took place in the Hangaroa River in the space of 24 hours.

On this page: Pictures taken by Mr Merv. Mitchell at the Waerenga-o-kuri Hotel, on the Gisborne-Tiniroto road, during the snowstorm on July 13. Lone donkey at left, studying cameraman, is probably concluding there's more than one after all, considering the weather.

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Also at Waerenga-o-kuri are these aerial shots taken by Mr Mike Fenton from the cockpit of East Coast Air-ways' Fletcher plane.

Up to 20 inches of snow was reported from the high country areas near Tiniroto. In most districts rain showers came between snowfalls and lowered the depth of snow. Lamb losses were considerable. In one paddock south of Patutahi half a dozen dead lambs were seen.

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Mr Frank Gillingham's homestead close to the main road is embellished by alpine backdrop. Note snow turning to slush in paddocks.

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At Harris's Avondale homestead, an enthusiast has stamped out name of station in snow on lawn.

As the snowfall was accompanied by strong winds and frequent rain showers, damage to communications and power lines was not as bad as it might have been. Most trouble was caused by trees collapsing under the weight of snow. Power Board and Post and Telegraph linesmen had unenviable tasks.

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These pictures show Power Board men at work in the Hangaroa area.

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"Photo News" picture of Tiniroto Hotel was taken on the Thursday afternoon in driving southwest rain. Heavy snow on ground was already melting and creeks were starting to flood. Note cow at left, feeding from hay.