INUNDATION OF PLAINS.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVII, Issue 4999, 12 July 1926, Page 2

INUNDATION OF PLAINS.

ENORMOUS AREA COVERED.

LITTLE FLOOD-WATER DAMAGE.

Although only three and a half inches of rain fell on the Plains between 8 a.m. on Saturday and 8 a,m, on Monday, according to the official ga,uges at Kerepeehi a,nd Kopuarahi, thousands of acres were inundated with storm-water. The outlet drains were quickly filled, but as the tides are high, being spring tide?, the flood-gates could not function continuously and the water-backed over farm lands. This inundation was not serious, and it caused more inconvenience than damage. From Waitakaruru to Paeroa, the conditions are the same —paddocks covered with ■water,. in places as far as, can be seen on either side. RIVERS OVERFLOW, Assisted by the easterly gale the Waihou jßiver overflowed its , banks ( near Turua at high tide last night, and this, together • with the -very heayy downpour, caused a higher flood than any previously experience)! for very many years. Driftwood was piled on the bitumen road fpr almost the whole of its length in the town board area, and the water ajmost entered the shops. Few people ventured out of doors, but those' who did were amazed to see the whole district under water. ' f

This morning drains we're cut across Waihou Street to let water from the, township block flow ba : ck to the river, and big gangs of men ai-e employed by the Drainage Board in keeping flood-gates cl'eftr. Kopuarahi agitin suffered on account of the lowness df the stop-banks nebr the wharf. Last night the river rose over tlie wharf and the wa,ter flowed ovdr the .stop-banks in cascades. 1 , <

Mr-J. B. McMillan’s farm near the wharf ti.nd all adjoining farms were inundated to a depth approaching two feet, and many pigs, calves, and hens were drowned. Even cats could, not reach, safety and perished. Grim reljcs of the flbod are the dead bodies of young pigs hanging over the wires of fences. . ' Th,e n&w road metal was washed off the approaches to the' Pipiroa ferry. . \ .

Reports from a,nd Kaihere are vague ojying to the interruption in the telephone service, but it appears that very heavy 'rain also fell in those districts arid practically the same conditions prevail! < ■ . This water will get down to the lower reaches of the .river very quickly, but it,is still raining, and the prospects at high tide' are not bright-