WATERS RISING

Evening Post, Volume CXX, Issue 105, 30 October 1935, Page 12

WATERS RISING

MANAWATU RIVERS

GORGE ROAD DANGEROUS

(l>y Teles:,-.-,

■ess Association.)

PALMERSTON N., This Day.

Flooding of the low-lying areas between Tiakitahuna and Rangiotu is threatened through a rise in the Manawatu and Oroua Rivers -nd the overflowing of drains. If the waters continue to rise as they are doing it is likely a* large area will be inundated and the water will cross the main Palmerston North-Foxton road between Tiakitahuna and Rangiotu. Stock has been removed to higher areas from various parts in the Taonui Basin, which already carries sheets of water from drains, the outflow of which is barred owing to the height of the Manawatu River, which itself is slightly overflowing and filling lagoons at Tiakitahuna. ' For several days the biggest flood experienced for years has been pouring down the Tiritea Valley and the road to the city reservoir is blocked. A creek in the vicinity of the Rangitikei line backed up so much that it overflowed the surface, but did not impede traffic. The Whirokino Road south of Foxton is still blocked by water. A large slip came down in the Manawatu Gorge during the night near the Manawatu end, blocking the route, but it is expected to be cleared sufficiently to allow vehicles to pass within a few hours. Two other slips fell, but temporary tracks have been cleared. Boulders also fell, smashing the handrail at three points. The whole gorge route is reported to be in a very dangerous condition. There has been a continual bombardment of the roadway by small fragments of stone.

Conditions ere still unsettled.