MOLYNEUX RIVER BREAKS BANKS

Press, Volume LXXXI, Issue 24501, 26 February 1945, Page 4

MOLYNEUX RIVER BREAKS BANKS

, —♦ — Big Areajnundated|| EVACUATION OP 5 RESIDENTS (P.A.) DUNEDIN, February An extraordinary evacuation of big area between Stirling and Kaftf tangata and the low-lying residentSUf district of Kaitangata township necessitated as the result of an expected break-through of the Molyi ’’ neux river. Although the level of riven is falling, water is still up to Kaitangata, and a furthjy-' evacuation may be necessary. - On Thursday night a break peared in the flood bank on the Hjpjr tangata-Stirling road, where the roH-t and the river run parallel. On Fridfelt and Saturday the break widened, Am# 1 all attempts to stem the fldw of water had to be abandoned. Co,C Saturday a quarter of the volume the Molyneux was racing through tor. two-chains wide break in the and the road was gouged out AosW; depth of nine feet. The main currtiEf of the river found an outlet throiS*!' this break and rapidly filled utfJKi"area leading to Kaitangata. There Is a slight indication easing of the flow to-night. All hoilSM? on the flat between Stirling and ||i tangata were evacuated. Stock taken Into the Wangaloa hills. MjmP' residents of Kaitangata towTishipijfl®: their homes, some by boat. Dana® to stock and property is telephone and power lines have kept intact. ~ -JJa The Minister of Works (the Honiafeli Semple) will arrive at Dunfd<h'tj||p morrow to discuss the flood WatwfißSj and relief, and will inspect theiramc tangata area.