NORTHERN FLOODS.

Hokitika Guardian, 8 April 1924, Page 1

NORTHERN FLOODS.

[by TELEGRAPH—PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.]

NARROW ESCAPES RECORDED, AUCKLAND, April 7.

Rain continues in North Auckland and further slips have occurred on the railway line north of Helensville. The railway services in that area are consequently disorganised, and it will take a long time before the obstructions are cleared as the work is proving somewhat dangerous.

To-day several men were precipitated into the water when a slip occurred under their feet, hut they reached dry land. An engine also had a narrow escape from a slip. Conditions as far as settlers in the north are concerned arc reported as being a little brighter, litany of them are getting tlieir cream to other fac r tones, pending the restoration of road communication, which is unlikely to be completed for soipe time. “Back to normal” is the Railway Departments report on the services south of Kaukapakapa, beyond that point, trains are not expected to run for two or three days, as heavy repair work is required between Kaukapakapa and Maungaturoto.

In the Waipera districts rain has fallen continuously since Saturday, with a brief break yesterday. As a result, the Rivers Waipera. Wainui and Pnkoi again overflowed, the business portion of Pukoi, and again threatened it. Preparations are being made to evacuate it, but this afternoon the river began to go down, and now it is thought the danger is past. The Waikato River at Mercer is steadily rising, and with the country already under water through tho continuance of rain, it is feared it will lead to a flood. DAIRY FARMERS’ PLIGHT. AUCKLAND, April 7. Three hundred dairy fanners at Lower Kaipara have been completely isolated from the factory at Helensville, hieing unable to get cream there since Thursday last. Their output is equal to £4BO daily. No serious loss of stock is reported so far though several herds are known to he isolated. SLIPS CLEARED. HAWERA, April 7. Slips on the railway between Mokaia and Manutahi have been cleared and work is proceeding to bridge the washout. The line is expected to reopen on Wednesday.