WAIRARAPA FLOODS

Hokitika Guardian, 6 September 1932, Page 5

WAIRARAPA FLOODS

RECEDING RAPIDLY; SHEEP AND CATTLE DROWNED, (Per Press Association— Copyright.) CARTERTON r .September 5. Floods in the Wairarapa l are now subsiding rapidly. The northern end is entirely clear, but the lower valley is still covered by extensive sheets of water held back: by . stopbanks. No further losses of stock are’ occurring. It is probable that “the 1 " banks will have to be opened to enable the water to run -into the river and the lake.

The pastures where the flood waters rested, are covered in some; places by a depth- of -a foot of fine silt, necessitating tre-sowing. In other) areas the deposit is much lighter and will benefit. /

One trouble being experienced is the disposal of the carcase’s of the drowned sheep and cattle. The Elgar Estate is the heaviest loser. The manager, Stuart Reid, now estimates the loss at 1500 sheep and 100 head of cattle. Many are being skinned before being buried- or 'burned. Others are in, positions of such difficulty of access, l that nothing can he done with them.

. Railway communications with Wellington is partially re-established,' Tho. gap at Tauheranikau bridge, Fernside, is temporarily bridged. Engines .are not allowed to cross, but there js a “kick’’ string of carriages across to the waiting engine. Some semblance of a time-table running is now assured.

INSPECTION OF THE DAMAGE.

MASTERTON, September 5

The flood waters iu the lower valley are gradually receding, hut it is. not .expected that some properties will be dear again for’: sever a] weeks. Others will be back at normal in a much shorter time.

>, The water is still over the lower Kahutara road;'

The most serious phase of. the flood at the moment, said Mr A. D: McLean, M.P., was damage to river protection works at Tawaha and Ahiakouka. These suffered severely, andi upon his representations, the Minister' of Lands had 'agreed to an immediate inspection being carried out. !