LAST NIGHT'S DOWNPOUR

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 1, Issue 93, 27 November 1939, Page 4

LAST NIGHT'S DOWNPOUR

OVER ONE AND A HALF INCHES LAUNCHES WEATHERING AT WHALE ISLAND After threatening all day yesterday, the weather finally broke towards evening and consistent rain fell throughout the night. The down pour lasted till 7.30 a.m. before any slackening was observed, and enquiries round the countryside this morning indicate that in spite of the fact that over iy 2 inches were recorded in Whakatane there was no actual damage to roads or property.

The rain constitutes the most sub stnntial fall since the winter and will be most welcome to farmers as a late spring fillip to the pastures which will now be able to weather the rigours of a fine, dry summer. Heavier in Country. From reports it seems that the fall in the country was much heavier than in the town. Taneatua reports that the rain lasted without a break, while Waimana residents state that all streams leading to the river are bank high.

At Ohope Beach, the weather drove in off the sea, causing some discomfort to people in those baches and houses which are facing that direction. At the notorious ford beyond the Camp Store, a number of motorists were caught with motor trouble. One good Samaratan started at 6.30 a.m. pulling disabled vehicles from the water which was fully eighteen inches above the normal level. There were over half a dozen motorists in distress from this- cause and there will no doubt be some representations made to the County Council to rectify the nuisance. Launches at the Whale. Two Whakatane launches, which left port yesterday morning for the purpose of fishing, are now weathering at Whale Island. They are Messrs Grace and Son's 'Emma' and Mr C. Hollis' mullet iooat. Though the sea in the first instance ' was calm, it came up rough towards mid-day, and the occupants in both cases decided to spend the night at the island.

Early this morning the Emma' endeavoured to make the harbour, but the sea was too high, and the attempt had to be abandoned. Later the Harbour Board's launch 'Port Whakatane' male the trip aiid returned with Mr A. Grace four Maoris. The boats will remain at the island till the weather is more settled. Slip on Hillcrest. The rain has increased the volume of rubble, which fell across the Hillcrest rise on Saturday. This morning a considerable quantity of spoil had fallen, but as yet there is still roomway for traffic.