FLOOD DISASTER.

Hokitika Guardian, 9 May 1923, Page 1

FLOOD DISASTER.

1 KAIAPOI INUNDATED. WATER UP TO MANTLEPIECES. [BY TELECEAPH —PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.] CHRISTCHURCH, May 8. The floods at Kniapoi became serious in the morning owing to the rapid rise in tlie night and a, number of families in the centre of the town had to he removed. Hotels and hoarding-houses are full, and several families are taking refuge in tlie Technical school and malt-house, which are surrounded by water. Boats are conveying food from house to house where the occupants have taken refuge upstairs. The water is up to the mautlepieces in some cases. Rain is still falling heavily in Christchurch as well as in the country. THE MIDLAND RAILWAY. ENORMOUS DAMAGE TO LINE. CHRISTCHURCH, May 8. The heavy rains have caused grave interruptions in tlie Midland Railway line, and it is impossible to state when communications with Arthur’s Pass will he restored. A huge wash-out near Otarama, six miles beyond Springfield, is possibly the worst that Jins occurred in the South Island, and a deviation of the line is essential. Survey work in connection with tlie deviation was commenced to-day. The scene at Otarama is hard to describe in words. One hundred and thirty-two feet of railway lino and sleepers hang suspended over a chasm CO feet in depth, and another slide of 100 feet, lias carried the hundreds of tons of earth from the big slide into the Waiir.akiriri River. The whole face of the cliff lias fallen in, and from time to time further slides occur. Mr A. J. McCrodio, District Engineer, describes the slide as the worst he has ever seen. Other serious interruptions include the blocking of one of the tunnels, and a further big washout between two tunnels. A week at least "ill lie required for even temporary repairs to the line. , WEST COAST MAILS. | BRING SENT VIA WELLINGTON. ’ CHRISTCHURCH, May S. ‘

Heavy rain in the city and reports of continuous rain in Hie country gave every indication to-day that tlie damage caused by storm might he much more serous than was anticipated. Telegraphic eommnnicalion with Hie North Island is maintained under great difficulties. The West Coast mail route is impassable, and mails are being sent by way of Wellington. North Canterbury mails arc being sent only as far as Rnngiora. Springston. on tlie Sonthbridge line, and .Springfield, on the West Coast line, are at present mail termini. Haunter is completely cut off, and mail cars did not attempt to run today, Kaikoura is isolated from both ends owing to washouts on the roads and washing away of bridges. Ambcrlov presents a. desolate appearance. Extensive damage has been done to the roads and the railway track. Ballast from ■the railway line is deposited on the main streets of the town, and business is completely disorganised and will ho so for some time. Nineteen ami a-half inches of rain have fallen at Amherley since Friday, and great losses of sleek arc reported. Some pastorn lists lost all their sheep and collie. NO TRAINS FOR A WEEK. Passenger traffic may not he resumed on the line to Christchurch before next week if reports to baud of tlie conditions ruling are correct, HEAVY LOSSES OF STOCK. CHRISTCHURCH, May 8. The Waiau correspondent of the ‘Press” telegraphs to-night that it i> anticipated that the next lew days will bring in reports of heavy losses ol stock of all descriptions, and ol enormous damage to property, while the contour of the country in many parts ol the Waiau district "ill have been considerably altered. THE FLOOD AT SELWYN. CHRISTCHURCH, -May 8. The people of Selwyn had an anxious time on Monday night, 'the river rose from almost nothing oil 1 riilay to a stream of enormous volume on Monday. Many of tlie adjoining farm lands were flooded, and several families removed to Runsandol lor safety. Residents state that in -JO years they have not seen a Good in Selwyn to equal that of Monday. Railway surfacemen had an awkward task set them. A telegraph pole composed of two 801 b iron rails fell across tlie Selwyn bridge blocking tlie line. In pouring rain, with a Hooded river beneath them, and in ail awkward position, throe men .set to work in darkness which was relieved only by the light of two hurricane lamps to cut those rails with cold chisels and sledge hammers, to clear the line For a midnight goods train from Christchurch. Bv to-day the river had fallen very

much, all danger was past, and the Selwyn Bridge had withstood its greatest trial.

WAlMAKAlllltl RIVER

THREATENS TO BURST BANKS.

CHRISTCHURCH, May 8. At 10.30 a.m. the north branch of tlie Waitnakariri River, which lias risen four feet above the highest mark reached during the spring tides was rapidly encroaching on the protecting

bank on the south side, and fears were expressed that the terrible flood would break through the bank at any moment and carry away houses and business premises in that portion of the town. As the flood ioro into the bank feverish efforts were being made to divert the water into the-centre of the river, Trees were rapidly cut down and sand bugs placed in position to strengthen the bank and resist the onslaught of the angry torrent. Despite these efforts the water poured into the town, most of the si reels being flooded. Near the Kniapoi Woollen Milks, tlie houses wore camparatively low-lying, and the water bad risen to such an extent that the occupants had no alternative hut to desert them. The water in some eases had almost reached the caves of the houses.

The train of refugees from tliefr wrecked homes was a most pathetic sight. Several families, carrying bundles containing their most precious belongings and with younger children in their father’s arms, were seen making their way io temporary shelters, while n number of drays and carls were being used to recover such of tlie heavier belongings as could be reached. The scene was reminiscent of the flight of refugees in France and Belgium during the war, and in some respects it was much worse, lieeause of the torrential rains that were falling incessantly. Masses of wreckage were piled about in many places and numerous fiiwlhuiises floated about in the water, while the fowls could fie seen perched in trees on tlie highest- places that could be reached.

Over 80 houses in Kaipoi had to he vacated by the occupants.

The abandoned houses are mostly in .Sidey Quay, and Otaki Street, Broom Street, Hugh Street, and on the Cam side of the town. Refugees are scattered over the whole town, and all available halls and public buildings are being fully occupied, while a largo number have been given shelter with private families. One resident has three families of refugees in his house. Serious damage has been done at tlie Woollen Mills, which are flooded to a depth of two feet over practically the whole building. Work at the mills could not proceed, and the employees, many of whom were rendered homeless, occupied themselves in rescue work.

Serious reports are to hand from tlie far north of Canterbury, where it is still raining hard. The Waiau Bridge lias gone in three spans, and the bridge is impassable. Conway Bridge was swept out to sea. Big losses have occurred among sheep on the river flats. Gore Bay is littered with dead sheep from the sea, which were washed down by the rivers. Portions of the lower Uurmuti Bridge are also on the beach. Farms along the liurunui River inns suffered severely. Practically the whole of Springstoii and Ellesmere were Hooded when the Selwyn River broke its hanks. At Ellesmere the position became so had that the postmistress had to leave the office. .Selwyn River is two miles wide at the Selwyn crossing. The flood is the worst experienced in Ellesmere distiiet for 45 years. There have been serious losses in stock.