Rabaul Has 70 Mph Gale
p. 15 · Read in the full issue
THE fiercest wind-storm in memory swept Rabaul (New Guinea) and surrounding districts shortly before dark on November 8. The gale at times reached 70 miles per hour.
Clouds of dust were whirled into the air and trees were uprooted. At least five houses were damaged by falling trees —one of the houses being that which is occupied by the Supreme Court Judge on his visits to the town. It was unoccupied at the time of the gale.
Several small ships broke their moorings and were driven ashore and considerable damage was done in Chinatown, where shanty-type dwellings lost their roofs.
Native gardens were damaged and hun dreds of banana palms and coconuts up rooted.
The gale was followed by rain.
Rabaul is out of the hurricane belt and fierce winds are unusual.