NAPIER'S FLOOD

Hokitika Guardian, 15 June 1917, Page 3

NAPIER'S FLOOD

(Per Press Association— Copyright)

GREAT LOSSES OE STOCKS

THOUSANDS OF SHEEP. HASTINGS, June 14,

There is colder weather but the sun is shining brightly. The flood waters are rapidly receding. . y ■ It. is unquestionable that settlers in the flooded areas suffered enormous losses hut the full extent is unascertainable until they are able to return to their properties.

By good luck thor© has been no loss of life but many liadverynarrow escapes. .

The losses in stock are tho worst in Omaliu, Pakowhai, Meeance and Taradale districts.

Richmond and Ferine estimate tho loss at 4000 sheep and fifty fat cattle. Pointon (Meaneo) 550 sheep, nine bullocks, eight horses and all his cows Kritch Cottorill 700 sheep. J. S. McLean (Ofahu) 200 sheep. F. ‘Rhodes is reported to have list bo tween 2000 and 3000 sheep. These few statements of losses indicate how serious tho flood lias been to the farmers in the closely settled districts.

A well- known stock agent estimates the total loss in sheep at between ten and twelve thousand. Small wash-outs on the line are being repaired. It is possible tho Wellington express will got through to Napier to-sight. EXTRAORDINARY RAINFALL. SOME BIG WASH-OUTS. NAPIER, Juno 14. The rainfall at Tutira for 72 hours was 20.11 inches. The water is rapidly disappearing. The wash-out on the railway fivo miles south of Napier isiinot serious. There is a 30 foot \Sh-out on the Main South Road and one of 120 feet on the Taradalo Road. Ho sheep are left in the flooded area hut other damage-is quite tails of the farmers’ losses are impossible, owing to tho disorganisation. The-three missing men havo turned up and therefore there are no casualties. Mails are conveyed in and out of Napier by railway trolly, which traverses tho bn® suspended over the wash-outs, and is held by tho metals. The Wairoa road is said to be a thing of the past- ' Sergt.-Major Atkins, D.C.M., is leaving this evening to attend a refresher Territorial camp at Addington, Christchurch. The special training will extend over a fortnight. On Wednesday night 80 players gathered at St. Mary’s Club euchre tour nament The prizewinners were Miss Murphy, Mrs T. Heenan, Mr Fedderson and Mr. P. Kortegast, the prizes being supplied by Mrs Quinn of Trentham. A social hour was spent alter supper, music being supplied by the lady members of tho Club.