MAN DROWNED

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 57, Issue 116, 26 February 1937, Page 3

MAN DROWNED

SWEPT FROM HORSE IN FLOOD.

TOWN OF WYNDHAM INUNDATED

(Per Press Association.)

INVERCARGILL, February 25

The most serious flood since the Mataura River broke its banks in 1913 occurred at Wyndham to-day. When residents awoke this morning the Recreation Ground and the bowling green, at the north end of the town, were inundated to a depth of feet in places. By 10 o’clock several of the residents in that part of the town had to leave their homes and others who were in the path of the flood waters began to move their belongings to safety. The flood waters moved down Ferry Street, and, crossing Main Street, flowed into Alma Street The Alabama and MimiEau Rivers continued to rise, and the water was forced down Redan Street and into the main, thoroughfare. By 3 o’clock the post office was surrounded by feet of water, and both Main Street and ltedan Street resembled canals. Business people, alarmed by the invading waters, began moving their goods to places of safety. As it was sale day, there was a crowd of farmers in town, but many hurried away as early s as possible in case the} would be unable to do so later. The road to Glenliam was impassable, and Ferry Road was also flooded. Mr S. Clarke’s farm was inundated and soon had the appearance of a lake. Several other farms close to the Mataura River were also flooded, and stocks of oats were seen floating away on the turbulent flood waters. At 4 o’clock this afternoon the flood reached its peak without the water entering the business premises. The Makarewa River also rose to a very high level, and while crossing ft backwater on horseback, John Cuft, aged 36; employed on a farm at Tussack Creek, was unseated, and is 'believed to have been drowned. A search made for the body was unsuccessful. He was seen by a hoy being apparently washed off his horse. The boy went for assistance, and when others arrived the man could not be seen, and the horse*was on the opposite side of the river.

Precautions Successful. 9

The highest flood at Gore since two very serious floods about 20 years ago passed harmlessly as the result of the flood protection scheme carried out after the inundation of the town, in 1913. It is estimated that the flood waters reached a height this morning of about 11 feet above normal. Areas in crops almost ready for harvesting were affected and losses by farmers will be serious. Stock losses were not great as most farmers had ample time to move their sheep to safe ground, hut serious loss of stock was suffei ed b} Air A. F. Dickson, of Fresliford, a number of two-tooth ewes being washed away in the flood. The AVaikaia Rivei rose very! vapidly and settlers had little warning. The bodies of 19 sheep were recovered, but it is believed that moie were drowned.

Transport by 2’oad was carried out under difficulties in eastern Southland to-day, the roads being flooded in a number of places at Pukerau, where the main road was impassable. Residents in the low-lying section of the township had an anxious time, but the waters receded, without enter ing of the residences. To the south of Gore the main highway was blocked at two places, and traffic had to be diverted. Reports from other parts of the province reveal that extensive flooding has occurred, but no othbr roads were blocked. In most cases farmers were able to move their stock to higher ground before the river 9 overflowed, but a fair amount 01 damage has been done bo uncut crops. The Invercargill-Riverton highway is completely blocked at the Iron Bridge, where the water had this evening reached the four-foot mark on the first post. It is believed to bo deeper on the Riverton side, but was going down to-night, and cart may get through in the morning. The weather has improved, and it is fine and cleai tonight.

FLOODING AT NEW PLYMOUTH.

SOME HOUSES EVACUATED. NEW .PLYMOUTH, February 25. Eight inches of rain has fallen m New (Plymouth since Monday night, causing the rivers to rise to an abnormal height. Flooding occurred in cub part of tliß town whoic houses stretch down to the river, and an anxious night was spent by the occupants, but the waters subsided before any real damage was done. Several residents were sufficiently alarmed to abandon their homes temporarily. The downpour ceased this morning. , The main New Plymouth-Auckland road was blocked in several places by the sudden rise of water, and slips came down on Mount Messenger. Several motorists were forced to spend the night in cars while others abandoned their vehicles.

OTAKI TAKES TOLL OF LAND. OTAKI, February 25. Since Tuesday afternoon nearly three inches of rain has fallen, and several acres of land have been washed away 'by the Otaki Itiver. The protective work stood the strain, hut was not advanced enough to be beneficial. During the year more than 20 acres have been washed away.