DAMAGED BY FLOODS.

Taihape Daily Times, Volume XII, Issue 3615, 30 October 1920, Page 5

DAMAGED BY FLOODS.

SLIPS AND WASHOUTS. COUNTY ROADS SUPPER. At the Eangitikei County Council’s meeting on Thursday Mr. Mair (engineer! reported as follows on the damage by the recent floods: — The weather during the month has been unprecedented. The deluge on October 1 caused considerable heavy damag throughout the northern end of the county, the repairs to which are estimated to cost £4015. A further heavy deluge broke over the county last Monday and has continued for three days, and at the of writing still continues. Most of the roads are again blocked by slips, but he had not yet been able to formulate a further estimate, but this will probably run into at least £IOOO.

The Maungaraupi concrete bridge, in the Eangitikei Riding, owing to timber gathering, scoured out underneath, and the centre pier was carried away -allowing the bridge deck to subside about three feet. Temporary repairs were effected, and the road opened for light traffic. Should it be necessary to rebuild the bridge it may be advisable to - deviate the road, as a splendid bridge site can be obtained further up the stream. Several large Culverts on Nei Road were scoured out, and a good deal of gravel scoured off the road, A few small slips and an ugly washout took place on Okirae Road, in the Wangaehu County. T*he main damage occurred on the Wharcroa Road by slips and washouts and the outside of the formation slipping away into the Turakina River. Temporary bridges were erected over two gaps near Ngaruru, and the road was opened as expeditiously as possible. However, latest Reports show that this road is again badly blocked. The flood repairs are estimated at £SOO.

Morton’s bridge over the Turakina River at Braemore was badly damaged, the flood being over the top cord. It would cost £l5O to eect repairs. The Ongo and Turakina Valley Road was restored for wheel traffic to Pukeroa, but is again blocked l in several places. Vinegar Hill Road has been blocked three times during the month by slips, wash-outs, etc., and ; also Kie Kie, Watershed, Otairi and West Roads, and Main Road on Makohine 'Hill.

A' large culvert has collapsed north of Ohingaiti, and is being replaced by 2ft. concrete pipes. The flood repairs in the Otairi Riding are estimated at £855. Practically every road in Te Ivapua Riding was blocked with slips, etc., and to date it has only been possible to open the main lines, though all available labour is bepg employed. Flood repairs are estimated to cost £825.

Most of the damage in the Ruanui Riding took place on Hales’ Track to Mount View, though all roads suffered. Repairs are estimated at £385. Flood damage in the Erewhon Riding was light, the cost of repairs being estimated at £l7O. All roads have been opened for traffic.

Most of the roads in the Awarua Riding sip'/ered severely by slips, and are being repaired as fast as possible. Repairs are estimated at £B2O. Mr. A. Thomas, overseer, reported that extensive damage had been done in the southern portion of the county.