STOCK LOSSES IN OTAGO

Manawatu Standard, Volume LXV, Issue 73, 23 February 1945, Page 4

STOCK LOSSES IN OTAGO

LARGE AREAS INUNDATED

(Press Assn.) DUNEDIN, leb. Flood water banking up from the Molyneux River into its tributary, the Waitepeka Stream broke a stopbank and inundated a considerable area of land in the Paretai district. About a dozen settlers were warned to shift their families and stock. Many were housed in baches at Kaka Point. Crops of turnips and potatoes were covered with water. Local residents consider the flood will he worse in the district tomorrow. The Clutha Delta area is inundated and at a late hour tonight a report from Balclutha described the condition as very serious with a complete loss of crops. Although considerable numbers of stock have been saved many are still in clanger. A farmer near Balqlutha reported the loss of 100 head of sheep. This is only one instance of the serious losses that have been suffered. At the present juncture it is impossible to make even an approximate estimate of the losses. In the Ivaitangata area the Matan River broke its hanks today and the surrounding land is under water. A party from the Dunedin Central Police Station led by Superintendent Scott left for the district on Wednesday night with two launches on lorries. It was thought that the launches might have to be used to evacuate people, but such a course was not necessary. Reports from all other areas indicate that the flood waters are subsiding.