RAIN AND FLOODS

Hokitika Guardian, 18 July 1929, Page 5

RAIN AND FLOODS

TRAIN SERVICE HELD UP

By Teleg.aph—Per Press Association.)

DUNEDIN, July 18

Although the rainfall in Dunedin was not more than 1J inches for the past three days, it lias been much heavier inland, and with snow melting, the Taieri river over-run the plain yesterday so that to-day both road and rail traffic south of Mosgiel is completely interrupted. At Allanton this morning there were three ifeet of water over the rails while at Otokia a washout affects two chains of rails.

The midnight express from Christchurch was unable to get past Dunedin and this, morning’s InvercargillGhristchurch express is held at Milton. .Passengers are unable to complete the journey even by road. Outram branch line is also flooded, with no likelihood of service for several days.

At Pushy, on the north road, floods have closed the road, but the railways are not affected. The rain has ceased in Dunedin. Waipori reports the water has invaded the basement of the power house. At Berwick' several settlers are marooned, some taking refuge in lofts. CANTERBURY FLOODS. . - CHRISTCHURCH, July IS-:: With continuous heavy rain, Canterbury rivers are rising, rapidly. > For a time this morning all power was cut off from Lake Coleridge owi n-'- to snow near Acheron river, where the worst possible conditions prevailed. Later, one of three lines was repaired and that is still functioning.

■FLOOD DAMAGE. GERALDINE, July 18. A report states the Waihi river is in flood and has undermined a garage on the bank precipitating six cars into the water. Five are believ•ed to be totally lost. A house in the vicinity had to be evacuated by a man, wife and family during the night.