WATAROA NOTES

Grey River Argus, 16 February 1949, Page 2

WATAROA NOTES

(Our Own Correspondent)

The weather for the past week has been overcast and misty, and at the week-end heavy rain caused major flooding and road blockages. Road Services were prevented from reaching further South than Harihari on Saturday. The weather cleared, however and was fine and warm on Sunday. A visit by Messrs Bevan McLean and Hollard, of the Lincoln College staff was arranged during the week. During their visit they watched the heavy bulldozer clearing several plots of heavy land, and showed considerable interest in the activities of the settlers. Much clearing work is being undertaken in the district, and higher production from the rich soils is assured in the future. Mr Bevan specialises in grass cultivation and remarked that he had seen in the district the best grass in the Dominion. Mr McLean lectured to farmers in the Public Hall in the afternoon on the cause and cure of stock ailments. No farming demonstrations were possible on account of weather conditions.

Constant rains have .severely set back roads in the district. The worst obstruction is the western approach to the Little Wanganui traffic bridge, where a washout has .occurred. The power tunnel at Franz Josef was blocked by a slip, and electricity for the hostel was cut off. For some considerable distance, the road between Waiho and Weheka has been washed away. This road has caused much trouble in the past, and the possibilities of a new road being constructed arc likely to be considered.