SERIOUS FLOODS IN NELSON

Press, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 25305, 3 October 1947, Page 9

SERIOUS FLOODS IN NELSON

TOBACCO SEEDLINGS DAMAGED MOTUEKA AND WAIMEA RIVERS OVERFLOW "The Press” Special e '«rvice NELSON, October 2. In the heart of Nelson’s tobaccogrowing area, Motueka and Riwaka, more than 5£ inches of rain has fallen since Tuesday. The Motueka river burst its banks and flowed over wide strptches of flat land. Residents consider it is the biggest flood since 1929. Tobacco seedlings, millions of which have been moved during the last Week ready for planting, are under water, but the extent of damage to them cannot yet be assessed. One tobacco-grower near the river estimates that he lost 100- sheep and lambs,.. carned out to sea. - A - ■ Over other parts of the district rain has been heavy, and rivers have been running very high. Slips and washouts have been frequent. A train was held up at Kiwi when water flowed over the line. Some motor road services were interrupted. Children from the Motueka District High School, who were unable to return home last night, were billeted in Motueka. At one stage the Waimea river, which has receded considerably from its high level of yesterday, cut 30 yards into Mr R. J. Pugh’s property at Hope to within. five yards of his house. His garden fence now hangs out over the river, and the house is in serious danger. Blenheim has also had heavy rain and floods. Road communication between Picton and Blenheim was impossible yesterday, and travellers from Wellington to Picton by the ferry steamer Tamahine used the train to complete their journey to Blenheim.