CONDITIONS IMPROVE

Taranaki Central Press, Volume IV, Issue 463, 3 July 1937, Page 4

CONDITIONS IMPROVE

I NORTH AUCKLAND FLOODS ! Railway Still Blocked i I Press Association—Co oyTlght. ! ‘ Auckland, July 2. ! With the subsidence of flood waters lin North Auckland to-day a general I improvement resulted in transport j and telegraphic conditions. Road com- ! munioations between Auckland and I Whangarei and in northern districts ■ gnerally were re-established, although * the route from Whangarei to Russell remains completely blocked. The railway line between Kaukapakapa and Whangarei is still impassable, and it is not expected that services from Auckland to the north will be resumed until Monday. Trains for the north left Auckland according to the normal schedule to-day, but their journey wa-c completed at Kaukapakapa. There was no appreciable drop in the level of the flood between Helensville and Maungaturoto, and at Hoteo rind Way by progress was barred by water, which was as deep as six feet in some places. Rail services were maintained between Whangarei and Hukerenui in the’ north and the Donnellys Crossing-Kaihu-Dargaville train again maintained its schedule. Traffic on the TangowahineWiotira section is blocked by several slips between Pukehua and Waiotira. Gangers have been diverted to work on the main line between Auckland and J Whangarei, and this section is not expected to be cleared until early next week. Working feverishly with spades.' and shovels, several shepherds saved the life of Mr C. Turner, manager of the M-angatawhiri estate at Matakana, when he was partially buried by landslide caused' by flood erosion to-day. When Mr Turner saw the landslide approaching he attempted to run to safety, buit he had proceeded only a few yards when a fall of earth overtook him. He was flung to the ground and covered by debris. Subseque-ntly the shepherds noticed

his coat hanging on a post, and an investigation revealed his plight. When freed with spades and shovels Mr Turner was found to be unhurt, except for bruises and shock Settlers in the Hikurangi sw mp area and- Helena ‘Bay and Mokau suffered severely in the flood. Between 15.000 and 20,000 acres of swamp were submerged, stock losses being exceptionally he- vy. S-yeral sett ers had to leave their honrs and m | many places household effects were I ruined. ! Boats were used to rescue stock, ■ but carcases of horses, cows and pigs j are fleeting in a number of places, j One family at Helena Bay hud 'to | spend the night on a tabletop in a (sitting room, while another left 'the ; house just in time and spent half the I night in the hills without shelter. It is -stated- th-i-t hardly a fence is l.ft standing. Whangarei recovered rapidjy from the flood conditions, and aLhough the weather is still wet things are back to normal. Carnival week, held in conjunction with the winter exhibition, is hack into its* stride.