SERIOUS FLOODS

Dominion, Volume 30, Issue 130, 26 February 1937, Page 12

SERIOUS FLOODS

Rivers Overflow Their Banks

WATER IN WYNDHAM Business People Remove Goods Dy Telegraph—Prese Association. Invercargill. February 2<>. The most serious flood since the Mataura River broke its banks in 1913 occurred at Wyndham to-day. When residents awoke this morning the recreation ground and bowling green at the north end of the town were inundated to a depth of two and a half feet in places. By 10 o’clock several of the residents in that part of the town had to leave and others who were in the path of the flood waters began to move their belongings to safety. The flood waters moved down Ferry Street, and, crossing the main street, Balaclava Street, flowed into Alma Street.

The Mataura and Mimihau Rivers continued to rise and water was forced down Redan Street and into the main thoroughfare. By 3 o’clock the post office was surrounded by 2ft. 6in. of water, and both Balaclava Street and Redan Street resembled canals.

Business people, alarmed by the invading waters, began moving goods to places of safety. As it was sale day, there was a crowd of farmers in town, but many hurried away as early as possible in case they should be unable to do so later.’ The road to Glenham was impassable and Ferry Road was also flooded. Mr. S. Clarke’s farm was inundated and soon had the appearance of a lake. Several other farms close to the Mataura River were also flooded, and stooks of oats were to be seen floating away on the turbulent flood waters.

At 4 o’clock this afternoon the flood reached its peak without the water entering business premises.

FLOOD AT GORE

Protective Works Prevent Damage

FARMERS’ LOSSES

By Telegraph—Press Association. Invercargill, February 25.

The highest flood experienced at Gore since the two very serious floods about 20 years ago passed harmlessly as a result of the flood protection scheme carried out after the inundation of the town iu 1913. It is estimated that the flood waters reached a height this morning of about. 11 feet above normal. Areas in crops almost, ready for harvesting were affected, and the losses of farmers will be serious. Stock losses were not great, as most farmers had ample time to move their sheep to safe ground, but a serious loss of stock was suffered by Mr. A. F. Dickson, ’of Freshford, a number of two-tooth ewes being washed away in the flood.

The Waikaia River rose very rapidly and settlers had little warning. The bodies of 19 sheep have been recovered, but it is believed that more were drowned.

Transport by road was carried outunder difficulties in eastern Southland to-day, the roads being flooded in a number of places at. Pukerau, where the main road was impassable. Residents in the low-lying section of the township had an anxious time, but the waters receded without entering any residences. To the south of Gore the main highway was- blocked at two places and traffic had to be diverted. Reports from other parts of the province reveal that extensive flooding has occurred, but no other roads were blocked. In most cases farmers were able to move their stock to higher ground before the rivers overflowed, but a fair amount of damage has been done to uncut crops. The Invercargill-Riverton highway is completely blocked at the iron bridge, where water had this evening reached the four-foot mark on the first post. It is believed to be deeper on the Riverton side, but was going down to-night and cars may get through in the morning. 'The weather has greatly improved, and it is line and clear to-night. RAIN IN TARANAKI ' Flooding Causes Anxiety By Telegraph—Press Association. New Plymouth, February 25. Eight inches of rain has fallen in New Plymouth since Monday night, causing rivers to rise to an abnormal level. Flooding occurred in one part of the town where the houses stretch down to the river, and an anxious night was spent by the occupants, but the waters subsided before any real damage was done, though several residents were alarmed enough to abandon their homes temporarily. The downpour ceased this morning.

The main New Plymouth-Auckland road was blocked in several places owing to the sudden rise of the water, and slips occurred on Mount Messenger. Several motorists were forced to spend the night in their cars, and others abandoned theirs. Heavy vehicles got through this morning, and it was expected that the route would be clear this afternoon. OTAKI RIVER WASHES AWAY LAND By Telegraph—Press Association. Otaki, February 25. Since Tuesday afternoon nearly three inches of rain have fallen locally and several acres of land have been washed away by the flooded river. ■'The protective work has stood the strain well, but is not advanced enough to be beneficial. Paring the past year over 20 acres of land have been washed away.