MANGAPU FLOODS.

King Country Chronicle, Volume II, Issue 96, 21 August 1908, Page 2

MANGAPU FLOODS.

The effect of the heavy downpour on Monday night last, was very marked between Hangatiki and Otorohanga, the flood waters of the river overflowing the flats and rising to within dangerous proximity to the raihvaw Kad the rain continued there is no doubt the line would have been Hooded, and traffic interfered with. The Parliamentary train to Wellington passed through about the height of the storm and it is a pity the passage did not occur in the daylight. The sight would have been an, object lesson to our legislators, as to the effect of a few hours rain on the willow choked Mangapu. No doubt the clearing of the willows will have :: ivnoiicia! effect on the stream and p. dace ti> s.-'Hic extent the liability to iioi-ds. Stili the only really effective preventative is the straightening of tiie suvam. Thereby a much greater tVii would be obtained and the increased impetus would keep the eh.miiei clear. Some time ago Mr N. i. licet v. ho h.is had personal experience of the effect of straighening a water course advocated the recommendation i" the Government by the Wahaiio County Council of the work ,!,' .-uraightcning the stream as. the ouiv mc.hod by which the railway could be safeguarded. It is to be hoped the ma iter-will be kept moving as though oihor interests are involved the question of most importance to t'uv public is the safeguarding of the ruiiway i'lv.m I in? danger, with which it b; iiueaiuiciitly threatened whenever iik rainfall exceeds the normal.