FLOOD SIDELIGHTS

Northern Advocate, 6 January 1937, Page 3

FLOOD SIDELIGHTS

SPLASHES FROM WHAKAPARA Interesting sidelights in connection with the last flood were legion in the Whakapara district, writes our local correspondent. First and icremost great credit was due to the A.A. Motor Patrol who did yeoman service in as many of the danger zones as possible, warning motorists of the depth of water and telling them of certain detours. The patrol was. noticed for hours at Hukerenui wading through the flood with thigh-high gumboots. Und lorry giving way to another in flooded waters went over the bank, and turned over, fortunately with no serious results. Night on the Road. Another family, returning in a crowded car from camping at Whangaruru, when nearing Whakapara found progress impossible. Their return had been cut off by rising flood, and there was nothing for it but to spend the night in the car. Dame Rumour has it that Mrs Nelson supplied them with tea and breakfast. Another carload, with e/versthing drenched, was caught between two slips, and to move was impossible till surfacemen arrived next morning.

Several strangers who tried to get round the flood at Hukerenui througn Waiotu found themselves at Tapuhi. One asked: “Am I on the way for Whangarei?” and the next one asked; “Am I on the road for Kawakawa?” Some of the Tapuhi settlers were roused at the hour of midnight by travellers lost, and seeking direction. The recent flood played havoc with gardens, laying peas, beans, tomatoes, etc., flat upon the ground, and the muggy weather bringing blight upon the potatoes. New Route Wanted.

It is to be hoped that recent experiences with the flood at Hukerenui will lead to the making of the new highway through Mr Dobbs’ property and back of the. hotel an • allweather road, sufficiently high to be out of the reach of floods/