FLOODS IN SOUTHERN DISTRICT

Hokitika Guardian, 8 October 1928, Page 6

FLOODS IN SOUTHERN DISTRICT

SERIOUS POSITION AT INTERWANGANUI.

The considerable flood in the southern rivers caused by the warm rain on Thursday was responsible for creating a serious position at Inter-Wanganui, due to the-overflowing of the Little Wanganui river. The recurring flood on Saturday night accentuated the position, while the heavy downfall of rain this morning will add further to tlie dangerous situation. At other points damage was done also, and the motor traffic south was interrupted yesterday at the Wat.aroa deviation where an open crossing had washed out, and the cars were not,able to get through. The mails and passengers were transferred across the gap to the ■Wa.il.io up ear, which returned south and there was not any serious interruption with the service. Vehicle traffic was expected to be resumed today, but the overnight rain will probably delay that possibility, and the flood will require to subside before the cars wBJ bo rf able tfo negotiate the crossing. Every expedition is being, however, to make the ford safe, so that delay is not likely to be long. At the Little Wanganui the situation is different, traffic not being affected, but the Inter-Wanganui settlement fronting La Fontaine Creek is in considerable jeopardy, of innundation, with the prospect of road interruption by the danger threatening the bridges. -Since the Little Wanganui traffic bridge was\ erected the main stream when passing under the structure has been greatly confined, causing a concentrated current. This has scoured out a deeper channel, and ri- er debris lias been shot down stream. As the force of the current became less when in the open river bed, a ian shaped embankment bus been built up. until the centre of the river became higher than the northern bank. For some time the water been over-flowing towards the southern bank, and bsteady erosion taking considerable toll of the silty land. The river below the old ford road has now worked in considerably to tlie adjoining holdings, forming a half circle before the river works out again towards mid-stream. As indicated, there is considerable fall in the river led towards the north bank, and with the river in Hood the water has Been pouring into the bay and gradually filling up the basin, till actually in normal conditions there is very little free-board between the river ■level and the top of the bank. In flood time therefore very little rise takes the water over the top and the surrounding land is inundated. 1 his has been, happening with marked effect during the recent floods. The overflow watei® finds its way over the adjoining . sections held bj various settlers, into La Fontaine swamp, which in turn is drained by La Fontaine creek into the Big Wanganui river. There are several crocks feeding the swamp in the fall from tire Little Wanganui and these are.all carrying extra flood water while the river overflows its banks. r J be swamp thus becomes a large reservoir and the creek draining it is running a banker in the effort to carry off the surplus water.

The matter was reported by Mr W Searle, Chairman of the Inter-Wanga-nui River Board, on Saturday, and in consequence of the ugency of tlie matte, Mr T. A. Johnston, District Engineer, accompanied by Mr P. Fitzgerald. road overseer, visited the locality. The Government officers were accompanied by a County party, including Mr E. A. Wells, Chairman, and Mr W. Jeffries, member for the Riding, and Air W. Mi liner, County Overseer. The party drove to the ford road, where the situation was inspected. The overflow was inspected at different points and later Petersen’s road was traversed towards the southern end. Beyond La Fontaine creek crossing;, the road was submerged, three to lour feet of water being on the road at different points. The creek was running at full capacity but there was evidence the water had been higher still. The party next visited the creek bridge down on La Fontaine road and the creek was again in considerable flood. Owing to the narrow water way remaining, the County bridge was in danger in the event of timber being brought down. The previous day two large trees had passed under the bridge safely, though either might have caused damage but for the tact they turned straight at the critical time, It was evident that the whole situation was one of considerable gravity.

During the course of. consultation, it was indicated by the District Engineer that an expenditure of Hl.UOti at least would have to he contemplated in the endeavour to secure the position where the river overflows. All bearle thought the River Board might contribute til lor £3 towards the estimated cost, and stated the matter would be put before a meeting of members the following evening. -Mr Johnston promised to report to his Department the next day, and asked that Tithe acquainted by Tuesday with the decision of the settlers. The engineer was thanked for attending so promptly to the matter.

It is understood the proposal is to put in a piled protection lor a distance of some live chains or so from belov the ford road in the effort to turn the river from its present serious set:, Stone is not readily available for crate work, hence the proposal to use piles. Local timber will be available for the purpose, and the work will require to l)e put in hand as soon, as possible, as

oucli recurring flood accentuates the position. There has been some minor damage in the south also. On hake Kanicri road at Slip Hill, the Borough pipe lino, which was leaking, caused a slip, and repairs will he attended to as soon as the weather moderates. The road is being kept open for traffic. There have hen some slips also on Man llau road, but nothing to impede traffic.