WEST COAST RAIN

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20185, 1 March 1940, Page 4

WEST COAST RAIN

HEAVIEST FOR YEARS RAILWAYS BLOCKED BRIDGES DAMAGED ALARM IN GREYMOUTH (Per Press Association.) GREYMOUTH, this day. Phenomenal rainfall this year on the West Coast, exceeding 33in., and including for this month 18in., culminated yesterday in the most widespread and highest flooding for many years. The earlier rains had blocked the Midland railway on l Monday at Nellie’s Creek near Aicken’s, but the latest rains have caused further slips nearby and the position, if anything, is worse than ever. A subsidence at Kotuku has been cleared, but there is a slip at Inchbonnie, and a wash-out at Rotoinanu. A smaller one near Poerua and a recent slip at Kaimata have been renewed and along the Midland line it will require a week to do repairs. The power house at Otira was flooded yesterday. Merchants are being advised to obtain supplies through Nelson, sugar and flour being short. On the Reefton railway 4000 cub. yds. of debris fell upon the line at Taipoiti, stopping traffic. Heavy rain in Inangahua refilled the Lewis Pass, the only alternative outlet to the east coast being blocked by two slips between the pass and Reefton. Hokitika Inundated The Hokitika River yesterday inundated the town considerably, while the Arahura River was exceptionally flooded, damaging Malfroy’s bridge. South Westland rivers were flooded. The Teremakau River rose to a record height yesterday, the inland traffic bridge being partially destroyed and one settler, Mr. D. McMeekan, losing 120 sheen. Other farmers were flooded out and it is feared that some might be drowned. Extensive damage was done by flooding along the Christchurch line between Kumara and Otira and traffic is likely to be held up for some days. The Grey River, which was flooded throughout the week, yesterday jafternoon rose gradually to wharf level and the firebell rang at 8 and 9 o’clock last night, warning the public that the water was coming over the wharf. All the lower-lying streets were flooded, streams washing along the watertables and backing up through the drains.

Fortunately the rain had ceased at midday, but the enormous back country rainfall conversed on Lake Brunner and (then through Arnold River into the Grey River, which, •when breaking its banks last night, faced the town with the possibility of the worst flood in recent history. Grcymouth Streets Flooded A break in the bank occurred opposite Richmond quay. Shopkeepers were all prepared and lifted their stocks and barricaded their doors quickly. The swelling flood made more breaks on the waterfront, and soon Johnston and Boundary streets formed large currents, ripping away the asphalt paving Mawhera quay was covered with water. Thousands of people lined the wharf until the second alarm bell induced them to retreat. Later the water was flooding William, Tainui. Mackay, Guinness, Herbert and Arney streets in addition to the others mentioned. The racecourse was almost entirely under water, also Coal Creek flat and the road to Runanga. At 11 p.m. the flood was still risine. as was also the tide, and it was difficult (o forecast the full scope of the flood. The Midland railway is likely to remain blocked for a week. All the collieries are idle. Rain continues, though not heavy. Water has entered houses on Preston road, Boundary street. Blaketown and Arney street. Flour supplies are being brought by lorry from Blenheim. The Blackball railway and traffic bridge over the Grey River has moved 4ft under the pressure of the waters, and its destruction is feared, while the damaged Teremakau bridge is reported to have lost further spans.