MAROONED ON ISLAND

Evening Post, Volume CXV, Issue 71, 25 March 1933, Page 14

MAROONED ON ISLAND

ISOLATED BY FLOOD

WATERS

(Special to "The Evening Post.")

PALMEBSTON N., This Day,

"While collecting drift wood close to the banks of the Rangitikei Eiver near the^Kakariki railway bridge on Tuesday Mr. A. Goilc had an unpleasant experience. He heard what he thought to be the roar of a train crossing the bridge. Instead of a train, however, the noise came from a wall of water several feet high rushing down tho river, straight towards him. He immediately made for the highest spot on the bank, and when the wave- had passed endeavoured to wade ashore, but the current and the depth of the water which had completely cut him off from the shore, made escape impossible. His plight was discovered, however, and a rescue party came to the scene, armed with ropes, etc. In view of the tremendous flow of water it was deemed inadvisable to attempt to bring the marooned man ashore unless the water rose to danger point. Throughout the rest of the flay and all night Mr. Goile sat huddled up against a fire kindled on his island. The water rose until at one stage it was only ten inches off the top of the shingle bank. It then receded quickly, however, and early next morning Mr. Goile was rescued.

It is reported that' three launches anchored at Tangimoana were carried out to sea and lost.