HEAVY FLOODS

Northern Advocate, 27 July 1934, Page 6

HEAVY FLOODS

IN FAR NORTH KAITAIA JUST MISSES DOWNPOUR AT FAIRBURN. MANGAMUKA GORGE BLOCKED. (Special to "Northern Advocate.”) KAITAIA, This Day. Twenty-four hours’ heavy rain in the Far North resulted in floods last night, which, in places,-are described as unprecedented, Fairbuni appeared to ‘ suffer worst, and a rainfall of three inches between 10 a.m. and dusk caused the biggest floods ever seen in the district. The whole countryside is a sea of water. No loss of stock is reported. Kaitaia was threatened with another flood last night. For the 24 hours preceding 9 a.m. today, there were 2.90 inches of rain. Business people were warned by the postal authorities of danger, at 9.30 last night, J)ut only a few turned out. The river overflowed its banks at Green Meadows and this morning Farmer's ‘Road corner was several feet under water. A tree came down at the entrance to, the Whangatane cut, causing a blockage and impairing the effectiveness of the spillway in giving relief. Consequently water in the Kaitaia River, crossing the Awanui road, was almost bank high. The flood did not affect the town ,and this morning the river had fallen six inches. The mail car Avas unable to leave today until 1 p.m. All traffic was hold up this morning at Fryer’s Road corner, where there was several foot of water. Heavy floods were experienced at Omni, hut they quickly subsided, the only damage being the removal of a stop bank at the now bridge by Garton’s turn-off. The rain brought down two or three small slips on the Here-kino-Broadwood Road, but they were, quickly cleared and the roads are now negotiable. The Kaingaroa-Mangonui Roa’d is blocked by several feet of water at the Lake Ohia bridge. A largo slip came down on the Kaitaia side of the Mangamuka Gorge, between Mr P. Cashmau’s and Mr F. Braithwaite’s, and completely blocked the road. A gang of men are clearing it, but it is doubtful if the road will be open this evening as another slip is blocking the road just past Mr G. Tracey’s residence and is being cleared.