Hopes That Kaitangata Flood Level May Fall

Northern Advocate, 5 March 1945, Page 5

Hopes That Kaitangata Flood Level May Fall

(P.A.) DUNEDIN, This Day. The South Otago flood continued to rise at Kaitangata during the weekend, but with an increase in the flow through the new channel cut near the Matau bridge, a mile above the town, it is expected that the level in the town area will remain steady or even fail during the pered that must elapse before the gap in Molyneux, near Stirling, can be closed. After the cold, wet and stormy weekend which made the task of the flood protection workers and the plight of the dispossessed householders most unpleasant, weather improved today. Heavy rain fell throughout south Ctago during the last few days, adding to the difficulties of the situation. Permanently Diverted Fears are entertained in South Otago that rtart, of the Molyneux River will remain permanently in its present diverted course-. Should this happen. 20,000 acres cf some of the best farmland in Otago will be lost, and the low-lying portion of Kaitangata township will remain the lake that it has become in the past ren days. South Otago is not facing an ordinary flood incident, where the water recedes shortly after (he rain stops, and rivers resume their normal courses. The district, after experiencing the worst flood since 1878, is now facing an aftermath even more serious than the flood. One-quarter cf the Dominion’s largest river is pouring across the scoured-out Stirling-Kaitangata highway.