THE NORTHERN FLOODS.

Wairarapa Age, 31 March 1920, Page 5

THE NORTHERN FLOODS.

Widespread Devastation.

MANY BRIDGES DESTROYED.

(By Telegraph—Pi ©us Association.} AUCKLAND, Last Night. News from outlying districts received from Paparoa confirms the report that widespread devastation has I been caused by Saturday's flood. At Marua, six miles inland from Matakohe, the creeks overflowed, farms were flooded, and the settlers suffered severely. At Maretu the bridge over the Kikiwhiti stream was destroyed, and the settlers on the North side are isolated. A temporary bridge at the middle settlement has also gone. There are numerous slips on the main outlet roads at Parahi and Matakohe, and the back district, and two bridges have carried away. At Hukatere the bridge has gone, and there are numerous slips at Waikiekie. • The link railway line under construction, connecting with the Main Trunk, suffered seriously from slips, which will invovlve a setback to the works, probably of twelve months. Road traffic is blocked byslips. In Otamatea County the roads and bridges are severely damaged by land-slides. Fencing has been carried away in all directions. In Waipu Gorge all the original wooden bridges, twenty or twenty-five in number, have been carried away, only one large concrete bridge remaining. Some repair work is being carried out by gangs of men.

GOVERNMENT RELIEF.

WELLINGTON, Last Night. The Government has decided to provide relief for those people who have suffered from the floods in and about Paparoa) North Hon. J. G. Coates, who is the member for the district, accompanied by an officer of the Public Works Department, left Wellington to-day to visit the district affected, and will see for himself what is needed by the unfortunate residents. Meanwhile, authority has been given for the issuing of clothing, and the meeting of other urgent" requirements. Latest reports indicate that the floods were more extensive than the original messages indicated.