FLOODS ABATED

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 50, Issue 82, 17 January 1930, Page 6

FLOODS ABATED

SECOND EDITION.

POSITION IN THE COUNTY. THROUGH TRAFFIC RESUMED. i CROPS NOT SERIOUSLY • AFFECTED. After being in high flood since Tuesdav night, the Ashburton River has practically reached its normal level. The flood water, which was precipitated over each side of its banks during its swift, turbulent course to the sea, has to a .great extent disappeared, although the land adjoining the bed is in a sodden condition. The flood commenced to recede during the early hours of yesterday morning, and the level of the water subsided steadily until. motor traffic was able to pass over the ramp leading p*st the golf links. As the water in the river. receded, the overflow on adjoining properties found outlets into the natural course. The southern approach to the tramc bridge presented a % vastly different aspect to that of yesterday morning. • The flood water has completely disappeared, while the approach resembles a miniature cliff with a wide gap in the centre, which was scoured out by the current early yesterday morning, ahd through which the surplus from the golf links and adjoining properties poured. . Traffic has now been resumed across the ramp, which, although clear or water this morning, was in a sticky condition. Two passenger buses from Timaru successfully negotiated this crossing yesterday afternoon in about 2ft 6in of water. As the water receded, other.cars were able to make -ihe crossing. One or two cars, however, encountered difficulties and had to be assisted. 'One. car developed a bad list, and was in danger of being carried downstream. Motor-cars were able to reach Ashburton Forks and , Greenstreet via Digby's Bridge yesterday morning, but conditions now are almost normal. Little Damage to Roads. ■ \n inspection of the worst affected districts in the County was made yesterday by the County Engineer (Mr A A. Fooks), who stated that conditions were better than at first had been anticipated. The various roads which had been subjected to immersion • and attack by the floods had stood up to the occasion well, and suffered little damage. Scouring had occurred m several districts. Some repairs were found necessary at the old dam at Pudding Hill, but the damage would • not affect the supply of water at the Stoney Creek bridge. The western approach to the bridge at the Ashburton Gorge was washed out and a ford was made by the Mount Somers. Road Board, thus obviating the necessity of stopping traffic. Further Reports From County.

Reports from various districts today advise that the flood waters lying on properties are rapidly disappearing, and conditions would be further improved by the north-west wind to-day. Landowner!} in the Lagmhor district near the river were subjected to an inundation which soaked paddocks containing crops. Those further away were more fortunate. No Josses of stock are reported. Little damage resulted at Mgm. Several heavy crops were lowered. Being of good lengths, and on sodden ground they went down easily, but, assisted bf the wind it is expected that "the situation will be greatly relieved The ground in this district is of a porous nature, and there was not a great amount of water lying about. An inspection of the oat crops by one farmer this morning disclosed no signs ° Willowby also suffered little damage, while at isleworth large quantities or water are still lying on the surface, and the question of draining this away will entail much time and inconvenience. The large crops in the Willowby, Isleworth and Black Bridge districts" received a buffeting, but tlie appearance of fine weather will undoubtedly improve matters. Flood water is not in great evidence at Seafield, where. several crops were down, but it is anticipated that the damage will not' be severe. Several crops at Greenstreet and Winehmore were subjected to a severe battering by the flood, which has now subsided, and it is considered that some farmers will suffer. Mr l. o. Black's crop of hay was carried away. The telephone service at Wmchmore was still out of commission this morning, but it was expected that communication Vould be soon restored Continued wet weather has delayed all farm work in the district A total of 320 points of ram fell horn Monday until yesterday This is the heaviest fall since last July, when extensive damage was done. No serious damage has resulted from the floods, although some wheat crops near the river have suffered from the flood water The newly-sown turnip crops will probablv be damaged, the surplus water is quickly disappearing.

IN NORTH CANTERBURY. CROPS BUFFER BADLY. (Per Press Association.) CHRISTCHURCH, January 16. Floods resulting from, the continuous rain of the last ftw days caused heavj damage in all parts of Canterbury. Cropl both standing and cut suffered extensively. Losses of stock are reported from SM-CantevbrnT-Oats in stook and grass cut for hay and seed are total losses. Large areas of wheat and oats, the straw of which has been softened by the long wet spell, are laid flat. Strong wind or more rain will greatly increase ., the damage, apart from the likelihood . ot smut and cereal fungoid s appearing. Late sowings are ruined. Traffic is held up in all directions, the most serious blockage being on the Midland railway, with five washouts between Springfield and Arthur s Pass. Roads in every district have been damaged, and many are impassable. The Ashburtor, traffic bridge was not negotiable last evening ; the gelwyn river was only three feet from the decking of the Coalgatf bridge .On the Hawkins, the Waddmgton bridge was under water; in the Spnngbum district the floods had readied the decking! of several bridges; the Kowai bridge ""way under water, and its approaches are gone. Iu North Canterbury, mud), pf the lower land is flooded. The Ashley was ■vesterday over the decking of the lower bridge, and the south approach had been washed away. Sips in Lee s Valley have made the road impassable. All ford* on the Eyre river have disappeared.