DAMAGE AT WHAKATANE.

Auckland Star, Volume 246, Issue 246, 16 October 1926, Page 9

DAMAGE AT WHAKATANE.

RAILWAY WORKS SUFFER.

HUGE PILES Or DEBRIS.

ACCIDENT TO COUNTY ENGINEER

(By Telegraph.—Own Correspondent.)

WHAKATANE, this day.

The Whakatane flood waters have now completely subsided, though the overflow from the Rangitaiki River is still lying on the lowest portions of the land.

The Public Works Department's and County Council's staffs are busy repairing damage to public works. The railway embankment has been -washed away for about fifteen chains near Edgecumbe.

Huge quantities of debris were brought down by the Rangitaiki, particularly at the height of the flood, banking up against both the Edgecumbe and Thornton railway and traffic brides. Several charges of gelignite kaa to be used to dislodge some of the huge willows piled against the bridges.

One of the piles in the Thornton bridge is swinging, and the bridge is closed lor traffic till another pile is driven.

Several drain bridges have had their approaches washed out, but temporary measures allow traffic to proceed.

Serious erosion again took place on the banks of the Whakatane River, near the concrete bridge and at the freezing works and elsewhere. The problem of bank protection at these places will have to be tackled Beriously, temporary measures having proved unavailing.

WTiile engaged in removing debris from the Thornton bridge, Mr. ""H. A. Hall, assistant county engineer, had the misfortune to break his leg and was taken to the Whakatane Hospital, where he is receiving attention.

Early news of expected floods enabled settlers to remove their stock to safety, so there is very little loss in that direction.