Disastrous Floods in Marlborough

Manawatu Times, Volume LVI, Issue 7071, 2 February 1933, Page 7

Disastrous Floods in Marlborough

Farmers Suffer Heavy Losses

Well-Known Resident Drowned

Per Press Association,

BLENHEIM, Last Night.

Following on a warning issued from Rainbow yesterday the Wairau river after rising steadily all the aftornoon and evening came into sudden flood about midnight last night and roared eight feet deep through Morrin’s Hollow overflow on tho Picton-Blcnhcim highway. Here a young man named William Von Townley Browne, a well-known Bleuhoim resident, was drowned when the car in which ho was a passenger stalled in the water. Though tho river was falling the river was impassable. The Bienheim-Nclson highway was also blocked. Owing to tho heavy flood water at the Rai Valley settlers had an unenviable time, the whole district b cin g flooded. Phenomenal Rainfall. The rainfall at Eai Valley was phenomenal, 30.14 inches being registered in a period of 36 hours. Many of the settlers are in distress. The Wairau river presented a wild scene when it was running practically bank high almost throughout its length, carrying enormous logs and other flotsam. Uprooted trees were caught against the railway bridge at Tuamarina and threatened its destruction, but it stood up to the ordeal and the railway service has not been interrupted. At the height of the flood at Tuamarina a mob of cows which had become isolated on a high mound attempted to cross the flood to dry ground. All were swept downstream but with one exception speedily reached safety. The one referred to was caught in the main current of the river and borne down stream for over half a mile but ultimately found a foothold on a tiny islet surrounded by acres of boiling muddy water and there stood like a statue throughout tho morning. New Cut at Wairau Mouth. About 9 o’clock this morning the flood began to fall rapidly and it is believed that this marked the opening of a new cut through the boulder bank at the river's mouth. The cut had been prepared for some time in anticipation of a flood and a gang of men were lushed to the scene during the night to complete the operation. It is anticipated that tho cut apart from relieving tho flood will greatly improve tho entrance from a navigation point of yiew. The rainfall in Blenheim totals 76 points for the storm and at Marshlands 156 points. As usual Seddon did not got’ a fair share of the deluge, the total fall there being only 48 points. Advice received from Mr. A. J. McKenzie at Eainbow was to the effect that it was still raining there but not so heavily, while the river had dropped slightly during the night. Tho rainfall on the 30th was 202 points and on the 31st 389 points, making a total fall for two days of 6.01 inches. At noon Mr. McKenzio reported that though it was still drizzling the weather showed signs of clearing. From 9 a.m. until noon his gauge recorded 25 points. The Wakamarina is in heavy flood at Canvastown, thus blocking direct traffic though the morning service cars sue-

ceeded in maintaining contact with Nelson, transferring their passengers and mails across tho flooded area in a dray. .By tho afternoon, liowover, tho flood had attained such dimensions that it was impossible to proceed more than two or threo miles beyond Havelock and all road services have been interrupted ever since. Milk Cans Swept Away. Ono of tho settlers attempted to cross tho road with a horse and dray in order to got his milk to the factory but tho dray upset and the cans were swept downstream. Tho horse succeeded in liberating itself though it was nearly drowned. More Disastrous Than Previous Flood. Reporting by telephone this morning the Express correspondent forwarded a graphic account of the flood. Ho stated that it was proving more disastrous than the one which visited the district 12 months ago last Easter, for although the water level in the last flood was higher the present visitation was of longer duration, in some cases the crops both in stahk and shook will be a total loss, while the residents in various localities havo been compelled to evacuate their homes and take Tefuge in cow sheds and hay lofts. Tho swing bridge at Mr. P. Neal’s was washed away, while that on Mr. G. Watt’s property i 3 in a precarious condition owing to the large amount of timber and rubbish which has collected against it. It is believed that tho Eonga bridge has been washed away. The rainfall was phenomenal, 10.46 inches failing on Monday and 9.6 S inches yesterday, making a total oi 20.14 inches in 36 hours. It is still impossible to estimate the stock losses in the district, but it is feared they will be heavy. In addition many fences havo been swept away, a notable example being the case of Mr. W. Coleman, of Opouri, who has not even a boundary fence left on his property. Shortly after three o’clock a party of watchers on the Tuamarina side sighted the missing van, amongst some debris and what they considered to be the body of the man William Von Browne but they will be unable to make certain of this until the waters have subsided. Floods on West Coast DAMAGE TO ROADS AND BRIDGES. HOKITIKA, Feb. 1. Following continuous rain tho previous night and yesterday, one of the heaviest floods for years was experienced yesterday afternoon and night. All low-lying places were inundated, and traffic generally was held up. Much general damage is reported to have 'been done to roads and bridges. The river this morning in still in high flood and furthor reports of damage in the country districts are coming to hand. The rainfall for the last three days totals 8 1-3 inches