BIG FLOODS

Hokitika Guardian, 2 November 1928, Page 5

BIG FLOODS

EXTENSIVE DAMAGE

By Telegraph—Press Association)

CARTERTON, November 2

A flood at present raging in south Wairarapa may he described as the most serious visitation experienced for the past twenty years. To-day ,thc flood waters are spreading further afield. The position at Kokotahu is not imprmed. Many settlers, particularly in Akiaruhe soldier settlement, are being practically marooned on their separate islands. In some instances water entered, the dwellings but not to any great depth. A number erf cowsheds are inundated and settlers were compelled to milk their cows in Dails of neighbours, who have very generously come to their assistance.

11. R. Reynall, Kokatau. and W. M. .Jury, Pontahi, are both cut off from ail hut telephonic communication and though they have plenty of flour and bacon, bread and other supplies are right out. To-day various groceries are being sent to them hut it is a problem to get them there. The case of Reynall is growing particularly hard. He has to separate a whole yield night and morning and as this has been proceeding for the past three days the cans are becoming full of cream and there is nowhere to store the milk. Quite recently Reynall shifted his house, which formerly was right on the river hank. The old site has now completely disappeared. No losses of stock are yet reported. Kuether down the valley in lvoliutaia and Tuhitarafa districts, conditions are even worse regarding floor waters. The excessive rise in Rumahunga caused the water to break over a massive stop-bank erected and the country which has been immune from floods for years is now covered. All the high country is covered with sheep, cattle, and horses. Tuhitavata factory ceased work on account of water entering the factory and milk supplies are now being sent to Pirinoa factory which is hard put, to cope with the extra supplies. The same applies to Kokatau factory, which is receiving supplies from Alnavuho ifactorv settlement.

Latest reports to-day state Ttunmaliunstv after falling five inches, is again rising. Kokatau bridge is very unstable and was closed to all traffic. Early this morning the eastern approach washed right out. The county staff worked hard endeavouring to save the structure from a total wreck. Piles which were driven after the previous flood to shore up the structure have given way. There is very imminent danger of one span collapsing.

flood DAMAGE. CARTERTON, Nov. 2

Latest reports from Kouotau state the bridge is now wrecked. A thirty foot‘span collapsed into the river carrying with it the temporary piers recently erected to support the structure. Postal services are seriously upset. Aliiariiho, Kouotau, nntl Pmiatihi are completely cut off. 'lhe wafer has fallen two feet and the weather is improving.

FURTHER PARTICULARS. PALMERSTON N., November 2. . Due to heavy rains and hacking up of 0 roll a river from Manawatu river, roads in the vicinity of Rangiotu were flooded to-day. Highways in other portions of the district also were inundated owing to heavy rains causing flooding of various waterways. Sett - ers had ample warning that the flood was expected and stock were mostly removed to snlo levels. Between Tiakitahuna and Rangiotu it is stated ten feet of water covers the roadway. Foxton line of railway is under water 'from 1 iakitahuna to Raimiotu and services are consequently disorganised. r n.e position around Raimiotu would have been worse hut for the water flowing into Taonui swamp. Manawatu river is dropping slightly. Flood waters and also a heavy slip came down in the gorge on the railway line and delayed early morning trains to Hawke’s Bay and AVairarapa.

while trains from Wairarapa are cancelled. The slip was removed by 11 o’clock and enabled trains at this end to get through, but earth is reported to have again fallen and the line is now blocked.