IN POWER STATION.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVIII, Issue 154, 1 July 1937, Page 8

IN POWER STATION.

FLOODING AT WAIRUA. MANY ROADS BLOCKED. (By Telegraph.—Own Correspondent.) WHANGAREI, this day. North Auckland to-day was completely isolated, widespread flooding causing disorganisation of both road and rail communications. The position this morning was that routes to the Far North were blocked with flood water on the Whangarei, Kawakawa and Mangakahia roads. It was impossible to use the Russell road, and the Dargaville road was also impassable. Although Mangakahia experienced a heavy thunderstorm and strong winds, the postmaster at Titoki advised to-day that the district was not as severely hit as was expected. The worst flood conditions were experienced at Wairua Bridge, and at 10 a.m. there was Bft of water above the floor of the Wairua power station. ' The electric supply to Portland and Whangarei, however, was not affected. The Automobile Association reported that the Auckland road was closed at noon and that there was considerable water in the middle north areas. There was sft of water at Wayby and the floods are still rising. The Waipu Gorge is clear, and the only serious hold-up on this section is at Otaika, where the water is over the fence tops in two places. It is possible that the floods will recede with the tide, which was full at 1 p.m. The road via Houto is flooded, and there is also extensive flooding in the \ icinity of Titoki. The water is about 3ft deep at Taylor's Flat. The Mangakahia road is impassable, although the exact depth of the flood water has not been .ascertained. Serious flooding has occurred also at Hukerenui and Whakapara. A slip which came down at Mokau yesterday has not been cleared. There have been numerous slips on all roads, but one of the main dangers is the scouring of bridge approaches, where much metal and filling has been washed away.