AUCKLAND FLOODS

Hokitika Guardian, 26 July 1928, Page 1

AUCKLAND FLOODS

ALL TRAFFIC HELD UP. (By Telegraph—Per Press Association.) AUCKLAND, July 25. To Aroka and the surrounding districts arc still seriously affected by the storm and flood waters, .although a fall of almost two feet was recorded during the day, and islands are fast peeping above in the shallower portions of the, flood. All day to-day there was no possibility of road or rail communication further than To Arolia from Hamilton and Auckland. Paeroa was isolated, with two feet of water on the railway at Maugaiti, preventing any investigation by the breakdown gangs. Many travellers were held up in To Arolia, and many are awaiting a complete 'subsidence of the waters. This secats just a matter of time as the storm has abated, although the skies are still lowering. Gordon, Manawavu. and their immediate vicinities have been very seriously affected, roads and bridges being jswe.pt away by the flood. Farmers have suffered considerably and losses, though small are reported from many districts bordering on the hanks of the river. 'Slips have occurred all over tlie ranges, and newly formed torrents have brought down huge tree trunks and wood on to levels below, providing a sight like some great wreck. The day was spent by many in clearing away debris. As the flood receded, carts and lorries forged through the waters to the wharf stores, salvaging skins and other goods. A large landslide occurred at Clarkin’s stone quarry, causing great damage. Fred Clarion soil of the owner, had a remarkable escape. He was clearing away wreckage on top of the face, when the whole side started to slip away. He could not reach safety, and he was overwhelmed falling nearly 60 feet with the slip. He was buried lip to the waist, but miraculously no hones were broken, although lie was badly bruised and received minor injuries. A report from the “Herald’s” Paeroa correspondent states that tbeie lias lieen no rain there to-day, and tlie flood in the Ohinenniri River has fallen aliout six feet. The railway service between Paeroa and Wailii was restored this afternoon, and although the damaged portion of the lino had to he slowly traversed, the train was able to get through.