WAIRARAPA FLOODS.

Gisborne Times, Volume LXVIII, Issue 10734, 3 November 1928, Page 7

WAIRARAPA FLOODS.

MOST SERIOUS FOR TWENTY ./ ' •• YEARS ■ SETTLERS ISOLATED BRIDGE WRECKED ( •• t ' xPrens Association.* CARTERTON, Nov. 2. Tile flood at resent raging in the South Wairai'apa may bo described as the moslfc serious visitation experienced during the past 20 years. Today the rain is still falling and the flood waters are ’spreading further afield. The position, at Kokotau has not improved, and many settlers, particularly in the Ahiaruho soldier settlement, have been practically marooned on their separate islands. In some instances the water lias entered the dwellings, but not to any great depth. A number of cowsheds have been inundated, the settlers being compelled to milk their 1 cows in the (rails of neighbours, who have generously come to their assistance, Mr H, R. Eenall, of Kokotau, and Mr W. M* Jury, of Ponatahi, are both cut off from all but tele■ho.no communication, and though they have plenty of flour and bacon, bread and other supplies are right out. To-day various groceries were being sent to them, but the problem is to get them there. The case of Mr Rienair is growing particularly hard. He has to separate the wholo milk production night and moriiing, and as this lias been proceeding for the past three days the cans are becoming full of cream, and there is nowhere to store the milk. Recently Mr Itenall shifted his house, which formerly was right on the river bank. The old site has now completely disappeared. No losses of stock have yet been reported. • Further down the valley, in the Kaiuitaru and Tuiiitarata districts, the conditions- are even worse regarding the flood waters. The excessive i iso in the liuamahunga caused the water to break over a massive stockbank and tho country which has been immune from flood for years past now is covered. All high country is covered with sheep, cattle and horses. The Tuiiitarata factory ceased work on account of water entering tho factory, and milk supplies are now being sent to Pirinoa factory, which is hard put to cope with tho extra supply .The siamo applies to tho Kokotau factory, which is receiving supplies from Ahiaruho tlement.Latest reports to-day stato that the RiiiamahuViga fell 4in. but during the night again rose to its highest level. The Kokotau bridge is very unstable, and is closed to all traffic. Early this morning tho eastern approach was washed right out. 1 test reports from Kokotau state that the bridge is now wrecked, and that the 30ft. span has collapsed into the river, carrying with it the temporary piers recently erected to Support tho 'structure. Postal services are seriously upset, and Ahiaruho, Kokotau and Ponatahi are completely cut off. Tlio water has fallen 2ft., and the weather is improving. SLIP IN KELBTTRN. . (Press Associations WELLINGTON. Nov. 2. Leyond a few slips, no great damage has been caused by the sudden lapse into winter, except in one instance, the viaduct crossing the Tinakori road connecting i.olburn with .the suburbs of Northland and Ivarori. A large slip came down right underneath it, blocking the road below and rendering the viaduct unsafe. A number of tramcars were cut off on the other side and passengers are being transferred until the road is cleared. The viaduct itself also has "been closed for vehicles. Sunshine prevailed in Wellington this afternoon and the wind dropped considerably. Tho Mo era workers settlement in the Hutt Valley was flooded with water eighteen inches •loop in the streets, lmt it is getting away well. A house in the city was slightly damaged by a slip, a wall being slightly stove in by a. fall cm' earth.

SLIP IX MANAMA TU GOUGE

RAILWAY SERVICE DISLOCATED (Press Association.) PALMERSTON X., Nov. 2. A heavy klip came down in the Manawntu Gorge on the railway line and delayed the early morning trains to Hawke's Bay and the Wairarapa, while the trains from the Wairarapa were cancelled. The slip was removed by 11 o’clock, and enabled the trains from this end to get through, but more earth is reported to have fallen and the line is now blocked. RIVER COMMENCES TO FALL GORGE SLIP CLEARED Ptaes Association.) PALMERSTON N„ Nor. 2. With the cessation of rain, the Manaatu River has started t ofallbut the awter isl still pouring into the low-lving swamp and reclaimed areas through breaks in the banks. The slip on the railway line through the Ma.nnwatu Gorge lias been cleared and ’ it. is considered that the line will he again 'safe for traffic in the morning.