ANXIETY AT GORE

Evening Post, Volume CXXIII, Issue 48, 26 February 1937, Page 10

ANXIETY AT GORE

WORST FLOOD FOR 20 YEARS

PROTECTIVE WORKS HOLD

(By Telegraph—Press Association.) INVERCARGILL, February 25. The highest flood experienced at Gore since the two very serious floods about twenty years ago passed harmlessly as a result of the flood protection scheme carried out after the inundation of the town in 1913. It is estimated that the flood waters reached a height this morning of about 11 feet above

normal. Areas in crops almost ready lor 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 twotooth 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 out under difficulties in eastern Southland today, 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 tonight, and cars may get through in the morning. The weather has greatly improved, and it is fine and clear tonight. ,