HIGH SPRING TIDE AT INVERCARGILL

Dominion, Volume 28, Issue 89, 9 January 1935, Page 4

HIGH SPRING TIDE AT INVERCARGILL

Low-lying Areas Flooded ROWING CLUKS BUILDING RUINED B.v Telegraph.—Press Association. Invercargill, January 7. Each exceptionally high spring tide, together with a strong westerly wind, caused a good deal of flooding in and about Invercargill this afternoon. The Waihopai River and Otepuni Creek overflowed their banks, and the lowlying areas surrounding the Waihopai River were under water to a depth of three and four feet. On either side of the north road a large tract of country was flooded. The two breweries which are just over the city boundary were in the thick of the flood, their cellars being submerged and their ground floors invaded. The flood reached its peak about four o’clock, when the edge of the bitumen began to be laved by waters to the west of the main highway. By this time many residences on either side of the road were surrounded by water, which reached in many cases a height of the floor boards. In one paddock a woman strode barelegged through the water to collect her cows, which seemed to be thoroughly enjoying their novel bath. The Otepuni Creek, which was almost dry on Sunday, extensively flooded gardens. One Southland bowling club’s green was three or four feet under water, and the Central Tennis Club’s courts adjoining were also submerged.

The Invercargill Railway Rowing Club’s shed, situated on the estuary and housing complete plant, suffered severe damage, and probably it will be necessary to erect a new building. The floor and sides of the structure, which is a frame one, were washed out by the flood waters, and boats and oars swept from the racks. Repairs will be costly to the club.

The railway line between Bluff and Invercargill was covered to a depth of about a foot in the vicinity of Clifton. Close to the city the waters undermined the sleepers in several places, making it unsafe for trams to pass. The train service between Bluff and Invercargill was disorganised from 3.30 this afternoon till after 8 o’clock this evening. Passengers were transferred to buses at Clifton and brought on to Invercargill by road. A later message states that further examination of the Railway Rowing Club’s shed, shows that the building is damaged beyond repair. Four of the boats will bi of no further use, and as each boat is worth about £B5, this loss of over £3OO will be a heavy blow to the club. It will be impossible to collect insurance, for the cause of the damage comes under the heading of “Au Act of God.”