FLOODING CONTINUES

Evening Star, Issue 25419, 26 February 1945, Page 4

FLOODING CONTINUES

The site of the original breach in the flood bank was a scene of intense activity to-day. Large quantities of rock are. being carted for the purpose of stopping the breach, and steps are being taken .for the protection of the remaining bridge. In spite of all these efforts' however, water is still flowing into the flooded area much faster than it can escape. It is considered fortunate that the Kaitangata Lake was at a fairly low level at the time the flooding occurred. But for this the critical stage would have been reached much earlier. At Benhar the water is approaching the pottery works, but it is possible that the worst period of the flood will pass without the water actually penetrating the works. SEVERE DAMAGE TO CROPS. It is generally believed that stock losses in the district have been negligible, most farmers having received sufficient warning to enable them to remove their animals to higher levels before their ground was flooded. Damage to crops and pastures, however, will be very severe, a local resident describing the position as a major disaster.