FLOODS AND SLIPS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 3 October 1941, Page 4

FLOODS AND SLIPS

I , 1 HEAVY NORTHERLY STORM DAMAGE THROUGHOUT PROVINCE. ROAD AND RAIL SERVICES DISLOCATED. (By Telegraph—Press Association.) WELLINGTON, This Day. A northerly storm accompanied by heavy rain caused extensive slips and flooding in Wellington and the Hutt Valley yesterday. Properties in the low-lying areas of Karori suffered badly, and there was a good deal of hooding at Makara. The Sou.’.n Karori Road was washed way. The Kaiwarra stream flooded heavily, and the bursting of a weir caused thousands of empty oil-drums stored nearby to be carried away, many finding their way into the harbour. The flood waters swept through W. Cable’s foundry and other properties at Kaiwarra were flooded to a less degree. Erosion of the Ngaio Gorge Road has made it safe for one-way traffic only. ■ Slips and wash-outs between Plimmerton and Paekakariki blocked the railway line, and the Limited express from Auckland had to travel via the Wairarapa line. There was -extensive surface floodingin many parts of Wellington, including Island Bay and Lyall Bay, and slips caused temporary suspension of tram services in Brooklyn, Wadestown, Seatoun. Karori and Northland. The Hutt River rose about 7 feet, passing its peak at about 2 p.m., with the rising tide. It did not attain the height which it reached recently, and was expected to subside steadily, though last night the flood gates were still closed, causing water to back up in tributary streams. Confirming the peculiarity of the conditions in making themselves most manifest in Wellington was the fact that no heavy rain was reported in the Hutt watershed. WAIRARAPA ESCAPES NO SUPS OR FLOODING IN DISTRICT. AUCKLAND EXPRESS DIVERTED. Pastures in the Wairarapa have received a thorough soaking as a result of the steady downpour of rain which has fallen for the past twelve hours. Little or no' flooding is reported, although the district rivers are carrying a good volume of water. Following heavy overnight rain heavy slips came down on the Western Hutt and Taita Gorge roads, and blocked road transport for some hours. According to advice received from the Wairarapa Automobile Association the Taita Road was re-opened this morning but is in a very dirty state and motorists are advised to use care. It is anticipated that the Western Hutt Road will be reopened by midday or shortly afterwards. The Rimutaka Hill Road is open, no slips having been reported. In the South Wairarapa many creeks are in flood but the Waiohine and other rivers this morning were only carrying a slight fresh. It is anticipated, however, that the crest of the flood waters will come down this afternoon. The Ruamahanga and the Waipoua rivers are carrying a fair amount of water but it is not anticipated that there will be flooding to any extent. The first express from Auckland to Wellington passed through Masterton at 7.30 o’clock this morning. It is understood that the express made a detour through the Wairarapa on account of a washout on the line between Paekakariki and Porirua. Further advice states, however, that the Limited express left Wellington for Auckland this morning via the Manawatu. OTAKI RIVER FURTHER RISE CAUSED BY HEAVY RAIN. FIVE FEET OF WATER ON RANGIURU ROAD. OTAKI, This Day. Further heavy rain, has caused another rise in the Otaki River, and water is now five feet deep on the Rangiuru road, thus blocking traffic. Mr Elliott has vacated his premises. The river has branched into two courses.