More West Coast Flooding

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31652, 11 April 1968, Page 22

More West Coast Flooding

(From Our Own Reporter/

GREYMOUTH, April 10. While the West Coast mopped up after yesterday’s disastrous flooding, rampaging rivers and creeks caused further problems overnight.

Two spans of the partially repaired Blackball Bridge totalling 220 ft were swept away by the Grey River late last night, and doubts are now being raised as to whether the bridge will be replaced.

An underground creek on the State highway near Dobson ripped out a section of the highway just as a car approached it. The car crashed into the gap and was badly damaged although nobody was hurt. Hundreds of sheep were drowned in the worst flooding experienced in the Wawhe-raiti-Waimaunga areas. Reports suggested that one farmer, Mr C. McVicar, may have lost most of his flock of 900. Many farms also lost boundary and cross fences in the flood. At least one farmer was said to have swum through his paddocks in head-high water to force his stock to higher ground. In the meantime the Rail-

ways Department is working long hours to restore its lines. Yesterday only the section of the railway south of Greymouth was open. Fleets of trucks have taken over from trains to move perishable foods to the West Coast to meet the long weekend demand.

Freight trucks met the West Coast-bound goods train at Otira last night and again tonight; freight for Westport was being brought direct from Christchurch via the Lewis Pass. Midland Line With the onset of the Easter holiday traffic, a Railways Department spokesman said arrangements could be difficult if the Midland line could not be restored by tomorrow night. On the Stillwater-Otira section the worst damage is at the eastern end of the Kaimata tunnel, where the track has plunged into the Arnold River, its rails twisted under the sleepers. Track damage has also occurred at Totara Flat between Stillwater and Reefton, and reopening is classed as “indefinite” by the department

The district traffic manager, Mr A. D. Campbell, said six trains were marooned last night but one “unaccounted for” in yesterday’s report had arrived at Otira. The actions of some motorists who drove through the flooded streets of Greymouth yesterday were condemned by the Mayor (Dr B. M. Dallas) today. He said that some drivers hastened through the streets and caused water to be washed into shops, creating damage to goods. Dr Dallas said that some drivers had gone ahead when specifically asked not to go through some streets.

Granity Damage Granity residents were still engaged today in clearing up the central portion of that milting township swept by a freak flood yesterday afternoon.

Floor coverings and other articles from 12 houses invaded by the flood waters are being dried out; some residents will require considerable replacements. Mr P. van Eyesden, suffered most as the water was three feet deep in his house.

Soaked foodstuffs and other goods from shops conducted by Mrs D. Gladwin and Mr J. Wright were dumped to allow cleaning of the premises. The Wright family was caught by the onrush of water while at their lunch table, and made a quick exit Men worked late last night clearing Granity Creek, in which much material had backed up. The Jones Creek rail bridge at Birchfield, thrown out of alignment by the flood, may not be reopened until tomorrow.

A bailey bridge will be launched over the 120 ft broken portion of the big Totara structure tomorrow, reopening the WestportGreymouth coastal road for the Easter period. Because of much other work required it might not be possible to repair the approaches to the Ohakanui Bridge in the Lower Buller Gorge this week. However, an older bridge, which has been restricted to reduced loads for some time, will be fit to take holiday traffic.