Damage in Papeete

Sudden Storm Causes Damage in Papeete

From a Special Correspondent

Papeete, Feb. 17.

PAPEETE experienced a severe blow on February 15, when the wind at one stage reached 100 miles an hour.

Ships and boats in the harbour were badly buffeted. The small American yacht “Mirtle”, from Honolulu, dragged her anchor and came to grief on the conci-ete wharf and was saved from complete destruction only by the prompt action of Monsieur Bailly, acting Port Captain and his assistant. The “Taire Taporo” suffered severely as also did other schooners and cutters. The British steamer “Fort Dease Lake” got up steam and prepared to go to sea.

Practically all telephone wires and electric cables in the 'township were blown down and although the gale lasted only half an hour, much damage was done along the waterfront, and to houses on the esplanade.

The Port Captain went far out to sea to rescue some of the fishing boats caught there. He towed them safely into port.