HEAVY FLOODS ON WEST COAST

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 84, 2 January 1918, Page 5

HEAVY FLOODS ON WEST COAST

SERIOUS DAMAGE LARGE COAL STORAGE BINS DESTROYED RIVER RUNNING BANK HICH. By. Telegraph.—Press Association. Creymouth, January 1. Heavy continuous rain all yesterdaj resulted in floods and serious damage. A big slip at Rewanui practically destroyed the large coal storage bins, which were so much damagedr that it is feared tho remaining uprights will have to be pulled out, and tho whole rebuilt. Tho blacksmith's shop, the fan-house, and the electric canrn cabin wore soaked, and the electric *"lamps were ewept away by .1 slip, which also blocked the entrance to No. 3 mine, Rowanui. Luckily there were no employees about, or tho result might have been more serious. The bins at Eewanui had_ a storage capacity of 4000 •ons. It is expected it will be three weeks at least before tin's mine is able to restart work. Several slips occurred on the railway. Two are on tile Rowanui line, and one was cleared; the other prevents through traffic on this line to-day. There are slips at Kaimata and Ngahere. At Rotomnnu the line is flooded. The Otira Gorge is blocked, and there is no through traffic from tho W«st Const to Christchurcli to-<3ay. It k hoDPd to have the blockages cleared +0 allow the usual train service to-mor-row. Races Off. The Grevmouth Jockey Club's course is under water. The flood waterp began to trickle over the course at 2 o'clock this mornimr. an d at 10 o'clock' there was 6ft. to 6ft. of water on the course. Tho hordes stabled there were pot away safely last nifilit. There will bp no races to-day. Tho weather is fine to-day. There mo crowds in town who are disapDointed that the races are not being held. River a "Banker," and Rising. All danger of the flood lanping over the wharf seems nast. although tho river is a "banker," and is still'rising slowly against the falling tide. The low-lying parts of the town are under ■water. Victoria Park is covered Bft. deep. The general opinion is that the river will not come over the wharf, as the rain ceased at an early hour this morning. Yesterday's continuous rain gave warning of the floods, and it is not anticipated that the loss of stock or tho damage in ffis country will bo great. . Should the weather continue fine, the officials have every confidence that the trotting meeting can be held to-mor-row, as the track is hard- and dries quickly. The Omoto Racecourse is now under eight or ten feet of water. FLOODS SUBSIDING. Creymouth, January 1. The heavy flood in ,the river started to fall at 4 p.m., and relieved the feelings of the business pepole. One span of the Turamakau Road Bridge-Tins been washed away. .