FLOOD RISK.

THREAT TO WESTPORT.

REASSURING REPORTS.

HALF-MILE DAM OF DEBRIS.

(By Telegraph.—Special to "Star.")

WELLINGTON, Wednesday. Important information regarding the blockages of the Buller River and its tributaries have been received by the Minister of Public Works from Mr. L. May, District Engineer at Nelson, who went into the Murchison district immediately the earthquake occurred, and his observations of the Buller and its tributaries should be reassuring to Westport's population, which feared an overwhelming flood through a sudden breakaway of piled up waters.

Telegraphing from Murchison late this afternoon Mr. May stated that he had inspected the slip that is damming Matakitaki River above Murchison. A large body of water is impounded, but he considers its release will be gradual, though rain in the locality will add to the trouble.

The dam consists of silt, clay, rock and bush. The crest is half a mile across, its thickness is three-quarters of a mile, and its depth approximately 40ft. The engineer adds:. "I anticipate the gradual cutting down of the dam when filled. Sudden discharge is unlikely." Mr. May is also inspecting other threatening points.' He states that the reported blockage in the Buller River below Murchison is. now free, but two blockages exist in the Maruia River, one in the Matiri and one in the Six Mile River, in the Matakitaki Valley. He proposed to inspect these points, though 'quakes and slides were continuing. Bridge Span Wrecked. The right bank abutment span of the Matakitaki River Bridge near. Murchison Ims a broken back. The holding down bolts have been unscrewed, and the engineer anticipates the destruction of this span when the dam overflows. The road between Murchison and Glenhope is extensively damaged, but the engineer has arranged to keep it open. ' , • Wiring later from Murchison. the District Engineer states: "It is reported that the Maruia River is flowing past both blockages. There is no great danger of the flood increasing to flood volume." • • The District Engineer at Greymouth has employed large gangs on the eai'thqyake slip between Westport and Inangahua, and expects to reopen this road in two or three days. Extensive slips are reported on the Dublin Terrace section, and further damage at Arthur's Pass. Chief Engineer's Inspection. . The Minister of Public Works has instructed Mr. F. W. Furkert, Engineer-in-Chicf of the Department, to proceed to Murchison and the West Coast to make a full inspection of the earthquake damage. Mr. Furkert travelled to Picton on the Tamahine this afternoon, with the'intention of motoring to ' Nakoa tiafa «WE4UUS,?s