GALE AND RAIN

Auckland Star, Volume XLVIII, Issue 139, 12 June 1917, Page 6

GALE AND RAIN

SERIOUS FLOODS FEARED. NAPIER TO HASTINGS. ONE VAST LAKE. (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) NAPIER, this day. Serious floods are threatened. Some 93 points of rain fell in 24 hours before 9 a.m. yesterday, and it has been raining heavily since. Breaks in the Meanee River caused by the last flood have not yet been repaired, and unless the weather clears, of which there are no prospects, the floods must be serious. Up till 9 a.m. to-day all rivers were confined within their banks, but there is considerable surface water about, and train traffic between the town and Hastings is suspended. The live between Farndon and Whakatu is two feet under water. The rivers are rising rapidly, and the outlook for low-lying country is bad, as the sea is blocking in the rivers, and there is no sign of the weather clearing. LATER.

It is generally admitted that in Meanee and Taradale district* the waters are as high as in the 1800 flood. Level country is one vast lake. ' On the main Taradale road the water is two feet deep. At Marshall's Crossing a bridge recently erected has been washed away. The approaches had only been replaced since the flood a month back. No ftock losses are reported. Communication with the country is very difficult. There is only surface water in the Napier washout at Waitangi, which saved the position when it was made in 1897. It is acting as a safety valve, and the water ie not expected to get any higher.

HASTINGS INUNDATED. LARGE AREA UNDER WATER. RESIDENTS RESCUED IN DRAYS. (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) HASTINGS, this day. Rain has been falling here continuously since ten o'clock on Sunday, and it is still raining. Six inches are already recorded, and reports to date show that the whole countrj- between Napier and Hastings is again under water. The early train from Napier got through, but the Wellington exprera found the permanent, way near Whakatu unsafe, and returned to Nftpier. A substitute for the express was dispatched to Wellington fr6fd,Hastings at 9.45, but carried no Napier passengers. Whakatu is badly flooded, arid residents are having difficulty in removing themselves and tlieir belongings in drays to places of safety. "" • •<■• »•• The rived Ngaruroro, at Farndon, has broken its banks, and the surrounding country is under Water. Hundreds of carcases of stock have been seen floating down the river. The bridge at Omahu is rocking dangerously. Pakowhai residents declare it is the worst flood experienced. Tukituki River is rising rapidly, but the estuary is clear, although a heavy sea is running. A great amount of surface water is lying about Hastings, and many residences are surrounded by a sea of water. One drapery firm reports that stock valued at £500 has been damaged. OKINEMURI FLOODED. LOW-LYING LAND SUBMERGED. (By Telegraph.—Own Correspondent.) PAEROA, this day. Owing to the very heavy rain storm on Sunday night, and continuing a great part of yesterday, the AVaihou arid Ohiuemuri Rivers Were taxed to their utmost capacity. All the low-lying part of the borough and surrounding districts were under water. On the main road between Karangahake and Paeroa the water was over two feet deep. The stop bank saved the business part of the borough. Part of Station Road was completely submerged, the main drain being too small to cope with the water, which was hacked up by the tide. No serious damage is reported. GALE AT GREYMOUTH. (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) GREYMOUTH, Monday. A heavy southerly gale, which raged all to-day, increased in force about 6 o'clock, and a great gust caught Mr. W. R. Kettle's store, tho front portion, which is of brick, being blown down. No one was injured. Other minor damage was done to fences.