DSASTROUS FLOODS

Feilding Star, Volume 9, Issue 3646, 15 February 1932, Page 6

DSASTROUS FLOODS

Damage in Poverty Bay

WORST FOR 15 YEARS TOWNSHIPS CUT OFF RESIDENTS SEEK REFUGE (Pet Pres 3 Association). Gisborne, Feb. 14. Following on drought conditions extending over three months, the very heavy and continuous rain of tlie past few days culminated durinf tile week-end in disastrous floods on tlie Poverty Bay flats. They are considered to be the worst for at least 15 years. Considerable loss of stock is thought to be certain, but an estimate is impossible until the wuter subsides. Many large maize crops are ruined, as also are grass seed aud other jiroducts. Tlie land in parts is covered by up io 7ft off water. Patutalii township is Nunpletely cut off and many residents were forced .to leave their homes early today, .owing to the water flndng its way into llieir houses. In one instance parents and seven children were resscued by a boat. Whatatutu and Makauri districts are in a similar plight. Kaiteratahi residents were eompelled to leave their homes and seek shelter in the upper storey of tlie old freezing works.