THE WAIRARAPA FLOODS

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XXII, Issue 221, 1 September 1932, Page 7

THE WAIRARAPA FLOODS

INDICATIONS THAT THE WORST IS OVER. DAKE REACHES RECORD LEVEL. By Telegraph—Press Assocation Carterton, Sept. 1. There is very little further to report concerning the floods. Practically the whole of the northern area is free of water, but the lower valley is still deeply covered. At the soldier settlement at Pahautea the position has eased, but the subsidence round this area has put tremendous volumes into the lake, which has risen to a height well above all previous records. The lake waters overtopped the bank at Cole’s property but the water on both sides of the bank is practically at the same level and no damage is reported. Most of the settlers in the Kahutara district are gathered along the lakeside watching the waters and they report a fall of a few inches since last night. This is taken as an indication that the worst is over. The outlet to the sea is running furiously, but the five or six miles of narrows between the lakes seriously impede the flow from the upper lake. The rainfall for the month of August reached 8.4 inches to-day. Further rain has fallen. The sky is overcast, but no further trouble is anticipated. RAIN AGAIN FALLING. By Telegraph—Press Association Masterton, September 1. After a fine morning the sky later becam. overcast, and several light showers of rain were experienced about midday. Rain is falling on the Tararua Ranges and the indications are that the rivers and creeks, which are now well down compared with their height during the past few days, may rise slightly again. There are few signs about tho town to-day of the abnormal floods. The Masterton and county roads, which have beer closed owing to slips, art practically all open to traffic again. IN THE MANAWATU. RIVER FALLING. Palmerston N., Sept. 1. The Manawatu river has fallen' l from its peak height of 14ft. 6in. to 6ft. 6in. The flood waters are steadily tjut slowly receding, although still much land is under water. The Palmerston North-FoFxton highway and railway are still blocked near Rangiotu and wash-outs have occurred on the line. However, the road may be passage after 18 hours. Further heavy rain fell this mo’ning.