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Hokitika Guardian, 25 February 1931, Page 4

It is perhaps not surprising to find that the residents of mid-Sewell Street, in the vicinity of the Hampden-Park Streets section, arc greatly perturbed with the recurring flooding of that locality. ATirious localities of the town are subject, to hooding at time of abnormal rain I a 11, but in general, by degree"-, tbo evil lias been cured to ‘■'omo extent, and (he menace is not so serious as it has boon in the past. In tlie case of the Sewell Street locality, the trouble is more aggravated of late, and at frequent intervals there is much discomfort and damage as a result of the recurring floods. In part this is being attributed to extra drainage brought into that localitv, as also to 'lie smaller capacity of the- pine drain in the street which displaced the woodmi drain which had fallen into decay. The Borough Council has been endeavouring to grapple with the problem of flooding in the localitv referred to without much success. The main drain is subject to flooding from the river is subject to flooding from the rain, and when the main stream is in flood an outlet for the flood water of the town drawn by the Sewell Street drain, is blocked, or at least greatly hampered. There have Been various proposals for dealing with the matter but none have been brought into effect. It would appear that with the special annoyance caused by la to Howling, that the Council cannot longer ignore the situation, and must sot about some remedial measures. There is the suggestion that extra storm water brought to the drain from Hampden Street, is a contributory cause of the flooding. This should be investigated and advice taken as to the best moans of relieving the pressure ol water ■which coming in greater velocity than the main flow, blocks the latter and causes the flood to back up in the street. Tt has been suggested, also, that the extension of Tailored Street drain would bo useful in flood time to take off surplus water There is a comidoj-ablo water shed serving the danger iKiint. and a close study of the positions might re* hit. in soii'f contributory relief being found. At all events the present condition of affairs should not be allowed to continue, and some definite action should bp taken to mend the present objectionable state of affairs. The Council should take the matter up with the determination to end the present menace to an important section of the town.