N. AUCKLAND FLOOD

Greymouth Evening Star, 24 August 1936, Page 5

N. AUCKLAND FLOOD

TRAFFIC DISORGANISED.

[PEB PBESS ASSOCIATION.]

AUCKLAND, August 22.

North Auckland yesterday had its first flood of major dimensions since January this year, the winter having been remarkably free from heavy rain. In some of the normally wettest months very’ small falls have been recorded. Rain began, on Tuesday, although it was fairly light in Whangarei, Otamatea and other districts were well drenched. On Friday night a cold wind sprang up, accompanied by a heavy’ downpour which continued till yesterday’ afternoon, when it ceased and fears of flooding were dispelled so far as Whangarei was concerned. Floods at Wayby held up the Auckland express, which later got through, reaching Whangarei two hours late. Floods throughout the north interfered with road traffic, most services being stopped temporarily. Six inches of rain in 24 hours fell at Kaikohe and in some places the flood waters were as deep as those recorded last Christmas. There was a torrential downpour on the west coast area. At Ruawai flats, near Dargaville, hundreds of acres of pasture were inundated. Se>eral cowsheds were under water and bobby calves found sanctuary on the tops of hay stacks. In the Maungakahia Valley, the Kakotai bridge was 17 feet under water. The flood waters receded as rapidly as they had risen. The rainfall in the city for the 48 hours ended at midnight on Saturday was G.39in, 4.14 in having fallen since midnight on Friday’. There was minor flooding in the city and suburbs. Heavy’ rain fell south of Auckland, particularly' in the Franklin district, but the flooding was of a minor nature. No damage was reported.

RETURN TO SUNSHINE.

WHANGAREI, August 24.

The cessation of rain late on Saturday’ afternoon allowed the flood waters to get away through Northland. Comparatively little damage has been done. Road and rail traffic was normal to-day. and there is bright sunshine.