RAGING FLOODS.

Grey River Argus, 3 November 1928, Page 5

RAGING FLOODS.

IN WAIRARAPA.

Many Settlers Marooned. STOP BANK AND BRIDGES SWEPT AWAY. (Per Press Association). 1 AR TEUTON. November 2. The flood at present raging in South W airarapa may be described as the most serious visitation experienced for the past twenty years. Today, the flood waters a e spreading furthei afield . The position at Kokotau has not improved, many settlers, particularly in the Ahiaruhe soldier settlement. being practically marooned on their separate islands. In some instances water entered dwellings, but not to any great depth. A number of cowsheds were inundated. Settler* were compelled to milk cows iu the 1 a Is. Neighbours have very generously coyie to the assistance of H K. Renall (Kouotau) and W. M. Jury (Ponatahi). Both are cut off from all but h lephonic communication, and thougn they have plenty of flour an<| bacon, bread and other supplies are right out. To-day, various groceries are being sent to them, but the problem is b» get them there. The case of Renall is growing particularly hard. He has 2 separate whole yield night and morn ing, and as this has been proceeding fur the past three days, the cans are becoming full of create, and with nowhere to store milk. Quite recently. Renall shifted his house, which form erly was right on the river bank. The 1 Id site has now completely disappeared. No losses of stock are yet repoited. Further down the valley. in the Kahutara and Tuhirata district, the conditions are even regarding flood waters. The excessive rise in the Ruamahunga caused the water to break over a massive stopbank erected, and the country which has been immune from flood for years past, is now covered with sheey. cattle and horses. The Tuhitarata factory teamed work on account of water entering the factory, and milk supplies are now being sent to the Pirinoa factory, which is hard put to cope with the extra sujh nly. The same applies to Kouotau factory. which is receiving supplies from Ahiaruhe sett’ement.

Latest reports to-day state that the Ruamahunga. after falling five inches, is again rising. The Kouotau bridge is very unstable, and L_ iosed to all traffic. Early this morning, the easr- « n approach was washed right out. The County staff had hard work in endeavouring to save the structure from a total wreck. The piles., which were driven after the previous flood tn shore up thJ structure, have given way. There is very eminent danger of one spun collapsing. Latest reports from Kouotau state that the bridge is now wrecked. A 30 foot span collapsed into t ie river, carrying with it the temporary piers re•cntly erected to support the structure. Postal services are seriously upset. Ahiaruhe, Kouotau. and Ponatahi are completely cut off. The water has fallen two feet, and the weather is improving. TEN FEET OF WATER ON ROADS. RAILWAY LINES FLOODED. PALMERSTON N.. November 2. Due to heavy rains and the backing up of the Orona River, from the Manawiitu River, the roads in the vicinity of Rangiotu were flooded tq-day. The highways and ot'ier portions of the district were al>o inundated owing to heavy rains, causing flooding of various waterways. Settlers had ample warning that a flood was expected and the stock was mostly removed to safe levels. Between Tiakitahuna and Rangiotu it is stated that ten feet of water covers thr roadway. On the Foxton line, the railway is under water from Tiakitahuna to Rangiotu. Service* are consequently disorganised. Tim position around Rangiotu would have been worse but for the water flowing into the Taenui Swamp. The Manawatu River is dropping slightly. A neavy slip came down in the Gorge on the railway line, and delayed early morning trains to Hawke’s Bay and Wairarapa, v hile trains from Wairarapa were caiu-e’led. The slip was removed by eleven o dock, and enabled trains this end to get through hut the earth is r< ported again fallen. The line is now blocked. WELLINGTON VIADUCT RENDERED UNSAFE. WELLINGTON. November 2. Beyond a few slips, no great dam * ge was caused by the sudden lap.-e into winter, except in one instance. A viaduct crosses Tiuakori Road, connecting Kclburn with thr suburbs of Northlands and Knrori. A large slip »:«me down right underneath it, blocking the mad brlocr. and rendering th • viaduct unsafe. A number of tram ( .rs -ire cut off on the other side, and the passengers a.e bdng transferred till the road is cleared The viaduct itself is also closed for \elides. A HUTT SETTLEMENT FLOODED. WELLINGTON, November 2. bun.-hine prevailed iu Wellington this afternoon, and the wind dropped considerably. The Moera Workers Settlement, m the Hutt Valley, is flooded. The water is eighteen inches deep in the streets, hut is gettiug away well. One house in the city was shgnt.y damaged by a slip, a wall being slight Jy stove in by a fall of earth.