THE EARTHQUAKE

Hokitika Guardian, 30 July 1929, Page 6

THE EARTHQUAKE

THE MOKIHINUI RIVER. NO DANGER OF FLOOD. (B.v Telegraph—Press Association). WESTPORT, July 29. The dams in the Mokihinui river are now reported to be quite safe and that Seddonville now is not in danger of another flood. However, the Public Works Department has made arrangements to have the river watched and any unusual (feature of the flow will be investigated. The dams occur 16 miles up the river in the vicinity of Forkes, and the water is backed up behind each. The water in the upper dam is 12 feet higher than in the lower dam. Owing to the fact that the water in the lower dam is covering a portion of the upper obstruction its real extent cannot at present he ascertained. The structures are quite stable and consist of large blocks of limestone, weighing between 25 and 30 tons. The lower dam is a mile below the top blockage and fills the gorge for three-quarters of a mile. This also is composed of huge blocks of limestone and.timber mixed with pug. A slight erosion is taking place in the lower dam and the lake level is gr, nally falling. In the opinion of the Department there is no /fear of a flood at Seddonfinc from this source. ’QUAKE RELIEF. MESSAGE FROM. KARAMEA: WELLINGTON, July 30. Sir Joseph Ward has received a letter from the Chairmen of Ivaramea and Murchison Relief Committees assuring him that they did not share in the criticism of delay, and if any, it was unavoidable and necessary. They recognise with gratitude the promptness of thfe committee in relieving urgent cases. They consider the criticism unjustifable, and express thanks for the magnificent response of the public to the appeal Ifor funds.