DELUGE IN THE WAIRARAPA

Northern Advocate, 4 February 1936, Page 6

DELUGE IN THE WAIRARAPA

[Per Press Association.—Copyright.] MASTERTON, Sunday.

The Wairarapa - district, is deluged with rain, which set in on Saturday evening and has continued incessantly. Today over 4in were recorded in Masterton since 8 p.m. on Saturday. All rivers are overflowing, and large areas of low-lying lands are under watep. The Waipoua River broke its banks at Masterton about 5.30 p.m. today, and a considerable volume of water is finding its way into several streets, including the main thoroughfare,. where shops are flooded. A further volume of water is flowing through part of Masterton Park.

Rimutaka Hill Road Blocked

■ The Waiohine River overflowed between Carterton and Grey town, blocking the road, and there is a wash-out at Ma’tarawa on a back road. The Rimutaka Hill road is completely blocked by a big slip, covering the highway for several chains. The blockage is about four miles south of Featherston at a locality where the road is being widened. Practically all houses on the flat at Tinui are invaded by water, some to a depth of 2ft or 3ft. “I have never seen such a flood,” said an old resident. “Water is up as far as the Post Office. It is one sea of water as far as you can see. The police station and homestead are flooded.

Another house under construction had the roof bloion off. Messrs Fly and Young’s garage and Mr Isaac’s blacksmith’s shop were blown down.

Two cars are abandoned in the middle of the road with water up to the hoods. “I saw a woman and a man swimming in the streets,” said an eye-wit-ness. “People were walking about up to their necks. Cattle, sheep and poultry are floating about. The water rose rapidly about noon, and flooded a settlement with extraordinary rapidity.” »

Rivers Running High,

A report from the Lower Wairarapa Valley shows that Ruamahanga and Hangaroa Rivers are high, and although water is across the road the position is not yet serious, although a heavy flood is anticipated within 12 hours. All stock is being removed. A gale of cyclonic force swept the township of Eketahuna and district for the greatest part of yesterday, leaving in its wake widespread property damage. *When the gale was at its height a large concrete motor garage was practically demolished, and the wooden roof was carried almost intact for about 50 yards. Other buildings were also damaged. Trees and fences were carried away and windows smashed in.

Power and telephone services were interrupted. Wide areas are under water, and the main roads are dangerous about a mile from the town.

Telephone and telegraphic communication north of Masterton was lost, together with the telephone to Wellington. Latest reports show that flood water in Masterton is falling again, and with the easing off of rain the position locally is improving.