MORE FLOODING

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21191, 14 August 1940, Page 10

MORE FLOODING

EAST COAST AREAS RIVER NEARS RESIDENCE MINISTER MAROONED (By'Telegraph.—Special to Times) GISBORNE, Tuesday Although the Waipaoa River did not overflow the stopbanks in the higher reaches last night there was substantial flooding near the river mouth and a large area was inundated, causing extensive damage to crops and pastures. Opposed by the incoming tide the river backed up and spread over the lower levels at Manuteke, Whakawhitirau and Muriwai, causing heavy loss to settlers. The heaviest damage for some years occurred near the river mouth, where the river has eaten into the old main road. The residence of Mr A. Zinker, which on Saturday was nine chains from the river, was today not more than five chains away, with the water gradually creeping nearer as the sandy soil was washed away. A number of large trees which lined the road disappeared in two hours.

The main road to Opotiki was reopened this morning, but motorists have been advised to exercise caution in negotiating the Waioeka Gorge and to take a deviation at the Gisborne end of the route, where a slip has covered the main road. The East Coast road is still blocked. The Minister of Lands, the Hon. F. Langstone, is still marooned at Ruatoria, with the road closed in both directions. He had intended to proceed by the East Coast road to Opotiki, but flooded creeks and slips have closed that route, while between Ruatoria and Gisborne the road is blocked in several places.