FLOODS RECEDING

Wairarapa Times-Age, 10 September 1938, Page 8

FLOODS RECEDING

POSITION IN LOWER VALLEY. FEW STOCK LOSSES REPORTED. Latest advi-.es from the Lower Valley early this afternoon indicated that there was a prospect of an improvement in the flood position there.. The Mangatarere and Waiohine Rivers are still running bank high, but the flood waters have dropped about 2 feet since 8 a.m. Acres of lowlying land in the immediate vicinity of the Black Bridge are, however, still feet deep under water. The main road is quite clear of water. Martinborough has been isolated since 1.30 o’clock this morning on account qf the Ruarnahanga overflowing at Tawaha. At midday the river was showing signs of receding and it is hoped that access to Martinborough will be clear by the late afternoon. As a result of a timely warning farmers worked all night and shifted stock to high country. Very few stock losses are reported. Lambs fared much better than was anticipated, although trouble may yet be experienced with new lambs on the flats. The flood is the biggest for two years. Unless conditions take an unexpected turn for the worse it might be said that the peak danger has passed. TINUI ROAD BLOCKED. Exceptionally heavy rain was experienced in the East Coast district. Road access to Tinui is completely cut off by large slips, one of which, between Te Maire and Bushgrove, will take about four days to clear. There is a big slip on the Blairlogie Hill and a gaping crack in the road over Castle’s Hill.

RAILWAY INTERRUPTIONS. WAIRARAPA SERVICES DELAYED. Yesterday there was some interruption in the railway service near Melling as the result of the encroachment of the Hutt River and in connection with the suburban passenger traffic to the Upper Hutt it was found necessary to transfer passengers into bus services. The trains to Wairarapa yesterday got through safely, but owing to a slip on the Masterton side of Mauriceville, it was found necessary to send the passengers by the 6 o’clock mail car for beyond Masterton by motor bus, this service being carried out right to Palmerston North. The mixed train from Masterton to Woodville yesterday afternoon was held up till 10.40 p.m. when the line was cleared. Today trains are running through from Wellington to Masterton and vice versa, the early passenger train from Wellington arriving in Masterton this morning about 20 minutes late. A boulder which fell in the Manawatu Gorge last night held up rail traffic for 40 minutes. I The trouble in the vicinity of Mailing is expected to be overcome this i afternoon.