DOWNPOUR AT WESTPORT

Press, Volume C, Issue 29499, 28 April 1961, Page 21

DOWNPOUR AT WESTPORT

Streets, Gardens Inundated (From Our Own Reporter) WESTPORT, April 27. With two inches and a quarter of rain falling in westport tor the 24 hours up to 9 o’clock this morning, there was more water laying over the town than at anytime since the 1926 flood. The rain continued heavily through the night, and this morning there were many streets and footpaths almost completely submerged, the water tables being incapable of taking the abnormal rain. The State housing block, after almost two years of freedom from flooding was badly affected. The water spread over a greater length of Colvin street than ever before, extending well down towards Mill street and building up in the cul de sacs in Riley, Gothard and Scanlon streets, and in the pensioners’ area. A veritable deluge poured through the lower area at the end of; Colvin and Rintoul streets in which there are five new unoccupied State houses. There had been considerable trouble in this area previously, but it was considered that it had been overcome by the provision of better drainage facilities. However, it was a very wet area this morning, although there was a pressure of w«ter that might not be encountered again tor a conWater advanced over footpath* and up on to lawni and garden*. It was up to some front dooes in Rintpul street, and many: children - m that; area could not get out to attend *chooi. and shopping schedule* .. were Interrupted until the "flood" subsided. This it did in most areas once the rain eased, after 9.30 am. but wafer utill 'blocked Scanlon street this afternoon. Cars and taxis found the water a little too deep in I some sections, and there were cases of vehicles requiring to be towed when water entered the engines. Some hotel cellars were flooded and pumping wgs needed to clear the water out. The rain seems to have been local, as there was little reported elsewhere in the area. Karamea. where there had been no fall since April 18. the fall was “just a drizzle.” There have been no reports of slips or washouts on district roads or railways. Chrysanthemum Show. Mr J. Wallace, of Blenheim, was a second-prize winner in the open reflex decorative class at the National ■ Chrysanthemum Show held at Wanganui yesterday.— (PA.)