FLOODS IN THE NORTH

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVI, Issue 47, 24 January 1936, Page 2

FLOODS IN THE NORTH

TWO DAYS’ DOWNPOUR. EXTENSIVE STORM DAMAGE. WHANGAREI, Jan. 23. For the past two days it has teemed consistently in AVhangarei. There was a fall of 2.21 in. for the 24 hours ended 9 a.m. this morning, following one of 2.43 in. for Tuesday. The fall for the month so far, has been BJin., well above the January average. There has been widespread flooding. With the observance of a virtual holiday throughout the north yesterday, coupled with the fact that the flood waters did not rise until late in the afternoon, the flood caused little dislocation of traffic or business. All routes in the middle north were blocked last night, and with rain contnuing in torrents, cause for anxiety was given. However, after midnight the storm, which at times had risen to a height which damaged hayricks and flattened growing crops in exposed positions, dropped, and by three o’clock tlie rain had ceased. T-fie wetness of the season will have a bad effect on tomatoes and late potato crops, which are subject to blight. The yield of stone fruit this season has beenpoor, and this also will suffer further by brown rot. Slips to the number of six came down with such suddenness on the Whangarei-ltnssell Road that seven ears were caught at various points between them, and will remain marooned until the gangs now working clear the roadway. The service car got through just in time last night, hut it is doubtful whether it will resume its funning until Saturday. Exceptionally high flooding occurred in the Whaiigapara, ■ AVaiotu and Hukerenui districts, where 8000 acres of land are under water. For the first time in many months the Hikurangi Dairy Company has had to resort to train carriage of its cream supplies from points north of Hukerenui, which is made the collecting centre. Last night cows grazing on tlie Towai showgrounds, where an exhibition is to be held in three weeks’ time, disported themselves as swimmers, and many herds went unmilked last night and this morning. Little material damage was done, but paddocks have been left heavily coated in silt and much hay has been destroyed.