NORTH ISLAND FLOODS

Hokitika Guardian, 28 July 1926, Page 1

NORTH ISLAND FLOODS

BRIDGE DAMAGED

[by TELEGRAPH —rEII PRESS ASSOCIATION.)

HAWERA, July 27

The south-bound mail train was delayed here for over an hour this morning, due to a bridge being out of alignment at North Patea. It proceeded with instructions to cross slowly-

NOT ANXIOUS.

GISBORNE, July 27

Local shipping authorities consider there is little need for anxiety for the Rapalri, overdue at Lyttelton. The vessel took aboard 95J tons of coal here, sufficient for throe weeks’ steaming. Capt. AJack expressed the intention of keeping well to sea. He expected to take five days under perfect weather conditions. V

WANGANUI, July 27. Owing to the inundated state of tlyTurakina and Wangachu Valleys no trains are running to-day between Wanganui Und Marten,. A pilot engine sent out from Wanganui thin morning only went as far as Wangaeliu. The service cars were unable to negotiate the water near Wangaelm Hotel, transhipping passengers. Reports from the back country indio.Uo a considerable damage by slips, many roads are blocked. Tho Wanganui River reached the maximum at noon to-day, when it is still two feet below tho level of 1904.

MARTON ISOLATED. MARION, July 27. An unprecedented rain storm for the past two days throughout Rangilioki i resulted in Marion being completely isoUated. The main highways was co\Vi ered to a depth of three feet in several places. Washouts and slips occurred and there were many narrow escapes reported, but fortunately no loss of life. At Curl’s Bridge a newspaper runner fell into a washout and a rescuing motor car . suffered the same tote. All persons were extricated with difficulty, but both machines were not rescued. Business in Marton is at a standstill. The main thoroughfare is covered to a depth of several inches, business' premises are cut off, and cellars flooded. The damage to hotels is. believed to be serious. A few motorists ventured outside tho borough roads, but a few miles beyond wue impassable. Both routes to Wanganui are blocked and traffic to Taranaki is held up. The railway service is also delayed. All roads south are completely blocked. Tlio lower part of Rangitikei is inundated where the river overflowed its hank. Many settlers are in grave danger and several have left their homes. Stocks were cut off’ by the rapidly rising water. The losses will be heavy. The same story is told in all the low lying areas. Scenes of widespread desolation), meet the eye from the highest points, with miles of water and here and there sthanded automobiles and isolated settlers dwellings are the only indications of ordinary life of this rich area Rain ceased early this morning and to-day was bright and fair. The total fall for two days was 4,31 inches. The estimated damage is several thousands.

FLOODS SUBSIDING. PALMERSTON N., July 27. A tour by a reporter this morning of the flooded area showed that district creeks were subsiding and the Manawatu was also falling. Nevertheless the flood waters' everywhere showed the extent of the inundation. The flood is estimated to be the most severe since 1003, which was a record when Mangaone. and ICawau Overflowed.

Devine’s Farm '.at Awapuni was completely inundated last evening. Water was waist high outside the house. The valuable Jersey stock was removed to the Abattoirs holding pens, except oao cow which was lost. This morning the water reached the verandah of the house where flic remaining stock consisting of calves were herded to avoid death by drowning. Water, also invaded the settlers home at Tuakitauhuna wlfero the water this morning was still rising. Hereabouts the land is mostly covered to a depth of several feet in parts, varing to the natuie of the ground. Settlers are again removing” stock to the higher ground. Considerable erosion was caused by the Manawatu River on the borough, especially Fitzroy Beud, a weak spot where valuable acres in the past have been swept away.