Steiger Vortex Rainmaking Guns
In 1902 Mr Clement Wragge, Queensland Meteorologist thought he had a “sure fire” way of breaking what was later known as the “great drought” (lasting from 1896 to 1902).
He proposed to produce rain from the cloudless skies by sending massive blasts of air into the atmosphere. Mr Wragge had observed wine-makers in Italy using what were termed “Vortex Guns” to dispel hail clouds, the guns were designed by a German by the name of Steiger.
Mr Wragge ordered six guns to be manufactured in Brisbane, when completed the guns resembled an old fashion conical candle snuffer’s, with a height of approximately 5.4 metres.
The guns were erected in various locations around Charleville, gunpowder was then poured into the breeches of the guns and detonated. The result was a cacophony of sound which reverberated throughout the town. It is reported that the only thing which fell on the day was the hopes of the would-be rainmakers.
Two guns are still on display in Charleville.
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