TE KUITI NOTES

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 550, 31 December 1928, Page 14

TE KUITI NOTES

RECORD MOTOR TRAFFIC During the past few days the volume of motor-traffic passing through Te Kuiti has been far in excess of that of previous years. A large proportion of this traffic consists of camping parties, while a number of the higher-powered cars make the run through to New Plymouth from Auckland a non-stop one. Within two hours, a totai of 147 cars were passed on the run between Te Kuiti and Mokau by a local motorist. Numerous tents were pitched on the roadside between Te Kuiti and the Waitomo Caves, this popular holiday resort again proving a great attraction for visiting motorists. No serious motoring accidents have been reported in the district, though there have been several narrow escapes. A badly-damaged car is lying alongside the road between Te Kuiti and Hangatiki, but as no report has been made to the police it is presumed that the occupants escaped uninjured. Seldom has Te Kuiti experienced such a persistent rainfall as that of Friday last, when for the 24 hours ending at 9 a.m. on Saturday a total rainfall of 3!in was recorded. The rain continued incessantly throughout the night and the Mangaokewa River, which had been very low indeed, rose rapidly. Fortunately the downpour eased off toward morning, thus preventing any serious flooding taking place. During Saturday very stifling, humid conditions prevailed, and over 80 degrees were registered in the shade. The householders of Te Kuiti suffered much inconvenience on Christmas Ev*=» through the breaking of the water-main on the Waitete Road. When the break was located it was found to be a serious one, necessitating the cutting off of the supply without warning. Borough workmen were soon on the spot, but a whole day was occupied in effecting the necessary repairs, and it was late in the evening before the water was again available. The stoppage interfered to a great extent with the culinary preparations for the holiday season in many households.