THE FLOODS.

King Country Chronicle, Volume I, Issue 14, 25 January 1907, Page 3

THE FLOODS.

The Whatiwhatihoi bridge, at Pirongia, was carried away by the flood, but was fortunately anchored to the shore by ropes. Had the bridge been taken down the river it is probable that the bridges at Te Rore, Whatawhata, Ngaruawahia and Tuakau would all have been swept away. As showing the severity of the flood, it is stated that the Whatiwhatihoi bridge was fully 40 feet above the ordinary water level of the river, and the waters covered the bridge. It is worthy of note that during the recent flood not one of the permanent bridges constructed by the Roads Department in the district was carried away, though other districts further south have not been so fortunate.

The road across the mountain from Raglan to Hamilton is in a very bad state on account of the recent flood, and is blocked in several places by huge slips. Mr Forsyth, of Te Kuiti, accompanied by Mrs Forsyth journeyed from Raglan to the King Country on Tuesday last. The first portion of the trip was made by coach to the foot of the mountain, then on horseback over the old Maori track across the mountain, then coach again to Brace's bridge, where the party was boated across, then coach again to Frankton, where the train was caught to'Te Kuiti. On Wednesday of last week during the height of the flood Mr T. Burd, District Road Engineer, rode from Te Kuiti toTe Awamutu, and had rather a trying journey. At the Mangarapa, below Hangatiki, the water covered the road for about three quarters of a mile, and further on, at the Mangamutu, Mr Burd's horse had to swim for about half-a-mile. Approaching Otorohanga, Mr Burd took to the railway and led his horse over the bridge. The flood waters in the Puniu river, Kihikihi, were exceptionally high, though not quite up to the bridge level.