Hawke’s Bay Waters Recede

Manawatu Times, Volume LIV, Issue 6911, 17 May 1929, Page 8

Hawke’s Bay Waters Recede

TRAIN SERVICE AGAIN OPENING. NAPIER, Last Night. With the cessation of rain to-day and the rapid falling of three rivers the flood has lost much of its menacing nature though there are still thousands of acres under water. There was no loss of human life and very few stock fatalities are reported. An odd carcase was washed up on the beach. Nevertheless there is still danger of marooned stock suffering from starvation. After the repair gang had made the line safe the railway service was resumed, the trains between Napier and Hastings passing through the flooded area with water up to the steps of the carriages. For miles around the waters spread in a desolate waste. An examination by the river board official revealed thirteen breaks in the banks of three rivers and the cost of repair will be heavy. The great mass of surplus water seems to have found adequate outlets and unless another heavy fall occurs in the back country the worst is considered past. i Heavy Stock Losses MANY SHEEP AND CATTLE DROWNED. LATEE. It has now been ascertained that the stock losses earlier thought to be negligible will run into several thousand sheep and many cattle drowned in the flood waters. The Pakowhai district suffered heavily. One owner is known to have lost 150 lambs while the fate of 2600 sheep left is not known. Another lost 400 by drowning, a third 300 and a fourth 400. Rescue efforts were continued throughout the day. Late to-night the rain recommenced but not heavily. POSITION IN THE WAIRARAPA. BRIDGE WASHED AWAY. Per Press Association. MASTERTON, Last Night. As expected the South Wairarapa districts around Wairarapa lake in the vicinity of the Ruamalianga river are now flooded. It is reported that three chains of uncompleted stop-bank at Ivahutana burst at three o’clock this afternoon and much lowlying country was flooded. The settlers however had previous warning and stock was removed from bush and gully. A bridge of 300 feet was washed away on the East Coast from Martinborough and many other washouts and slips are reported from that district. Conditions at Tinui are now normal. Settlers of the Lower Wairarapa who have been making representations to the- Government for relief from flooding state it is very evident something must be done. A flood of large proportions would be disastrous.