TORRENTIAL RAIN

Hokitika Guardian, 11 December 1934, Page 6

TORRENTIAL RAIN

FLOODINGS IN THE FAR NORTH.

BRIDGES SWEPT AWAY

(Per Press Association.— Copyright.)

WHANGAREI, December 11

As the result of heavy rainfall since Friday last, but especially since Saturday night, large areas in The far north ar e flooded. In some places the floods are tile highest for 35 years, but, fortunately, farmers had received warning in time to remove their stock to the higher levels. As a consequence the losses are not heavy.

For the first time since 1917, the big bridge over the Mangakahia at Titoki is under water. As a result, there has beon no cream collection since Sunday. “' Several bridges have been swept away, and much damage done to roads. The rainfall at Whangarei since Friday is 5.76 inches, but, owing to the dryness of th e ground, due to the lengthy dry spell, flooding has not occurred. . The Hikurangi swamp promises to be badly flooded. ICaikohe was evidently the _ storm centre twelve inches of rain being recorded within 24 hours. All approaches to the town are cut off. Kohukohu also suffered a good deal. All road communication with the north is cut off, owing to flooding which is some feet deep in places. The railway service is disorganised completely. There will be no trams north of liukerinui terday. The. latest information is that nineteen inches were registered in Kaikohe town within 48 hours. The district is completely isolated. All the low ying country is like a series of lakes.