New Britain herald., 1925-06-18
STRING STORMS

Scarcely . day passes that the newspapers do not chronicle the de- vastations of spring storms, the total for this spring being said to be well above inc average. All sections of the country have felt the heavy hand Of the clements but as a general thing natures onslaughts from the skies have been more severe in the west than in the east.
 Connecticut has been treated to an extensive array of rough weather the past few weeks and New Brit ain obtained its share of elemental fury. On the whole we have been fortunate compared with some other Nutmeg towns and cities. Although several times severe storms in the city did damage it was of no great moment compared with the total of damage done elsewhere.
 The Herald the other day carried a story from meteorological expert about safety during thunder storms, particularly as regards safety from lightning. The story appears 10 have attracted general attention, especial ly- among those who during storm feel ill at ease over the possibilities of lightning bolts playing about the premises. In cities where highly charged electric wires exist in some profusion it is gratifying 10 know that they provide medium of safety from lightning rather than danger. bolts being attracted to them more readily than to build ings. Still, there are exceptions, and there's the rub.
 The effect of radio. aerials in drawing lightning IS being debated by experts. Naturally, this is sub ject that IS ct wide public interest, Radio fans ol course would do well to make themselves thoroughly ac- ouainted with all the possibilities and act accordingly when q storm is brewing. Some aeriaIs in the city perch high and would seem 10 offer inviting field for lightning, and it IS essential to know how 10 avoid trouble from the air of kind more serious than static. Not wishing to invite discussion with experts who may not agree but are convinced they arc right, We naturally refrain from giving advice upon this point The Herald article gave all the ad- vice necessary and should be sufti' cicut 10 the wise.
 = Other advice frequently handct out nowadays is low to operate al automobile during storm and th' possibilities Of the machine beini hit hy lightning. It IS easy 10 sd! that the saucst way is not 10 oper ate machine during d "olow' bu those who arc in the country, "0' miles from nowhcr'," have dIi ferent conception of the difficulties The news dispatches from Iowa few days ago recounted that dozen of autos vcr, dtched. turned o'e and even blown into feds during gale; but it was noted by the inter e ested reader 'ha. none was struc by lightning, although building were hi, in 'he territory Uttered } the storm.
 The dispatch cbronicnns il severe storm in Litchiield count Tuesday referred to the fac, that 1T district which suffered was know as satan's Kingdom, Yet 0e are LII wiling to believe that the stor was meted out as punishment t' the place with such an evil nam The same dispatch announced h. a church was destroyed.
 The Herald article came to T defense of the efficacy of the Ugh ning rod. which was srali2" Claims have been made In the ra that the lightning rods invite HEf ming rather than ward it oft, al the lightning rod salesmen ". formerly infested the ruro' d.-.r' were regarded us paraait,s hy | comic papers But it has been shoT in the satisfaction Of numerous ge ,lemen who have studied the storI that the rods really are worth Vt" in the rural districts, where
 abundancy of electric "iriAs' 's inc case in cities, do no' 'c1
 lightning conductors.
 The electric sub-station Tn western part of the city is about prolifc a drawing card for i'gh'nl a, can be devised; it has in ta drawn bolts to itself seTerai nun sut due to mans scientific kn0l