MARTON FLOODS

Evening Star, Issue 22004, 13 April 1935, Page 15

MARTON FLOODS

WATER IN SHOPS WADING TO WORK [Per United Press Association.] MARTON, April 12. So torrential was the rain storm experienced this morning that the channels were unable to cope with the flood waters which were overflowing the courses at the back of Marton. The water swept through the town and invaded many premises to a depth of a foot in places. Fortunately the weather cleared after the downpour, in which over three inches of rain fell in four hours, and this afternoon most of the surface water had cleared away, leaving the debris to tell its tale. Had the rain continued the Tutae-' nui Stream, which is of fair dimensions, would probably have overflowed, with disastrous consequences. _ As it is the damage to business premises is not very considerable, though floors are covered with silt. _ .. ■ ■ The storm was mainly confined to the coastal area from Turakina to Marton, the fall in parts exceeding four inches. The farmers’ stock losses are light, but many- are down and the road are scoured in places. A local surveyor considers that the flooding is the heaviest experienced for forty years, and hsfli the clearing of the water courses not been taken in hand recently, enabling a free passage, the position would bar© been much more serious. . Novel scenes were, witnessed this morning, people wading to work in bare feet. Many female assistants were sent home as business was: temporarily disorganised, and school children were given a holiday, - Tho eastern yard of the railway station was covered with water to a depth of eighteen inches and the staff was working under difficulties, but the services were maintained. The weather this evening is very threatening, but further flood damage is considered unlikely.