Russell Rood To Be Opened Monday

Northern Advocate, 27 June 1946, Page 7

Russell Rood To Be Opened Monday

Northlanaers had every reason to believe that the spell of rough easterly weather was at an end yesterday. The clouds disappeared and the sun brightened the outlook considerably. However the change was rather shortlived as the threat of more rain was apparent early this morning and towards midday a light showery drizzle set i«.

The weather today was unpleasant, the air being raw and damp conditions prevailing underfoot. The work of clearing the Russell road is going ahead apace but the slips in the Helena Bay district will take more clearing that at first anticipated, and it is expected that traffic will not be able to get through until Monday. On some roads there is still only room., where slips had taken place, for one-way traffic. A motorist who left Opua at 9.30 this morning was in Hikurangi at 10.55. He reported that the roads were in fairly good condition except for a section near the Opua wharf where a slight slip had thrown rock and earth on to the road. Several county councils in Northland are discussing the question of seeking Government aid in meeting the cost of repairs which, in some cases, is beyond the resources of the local bodies. HEAVY STOCK LOSSES With the aftermath of the weekend's floods, it has become apparent that some farmers have suffered heavy stock losses. The Hikurangi swamp area, where a considerable amount of water is still lying, is reported to be hardest hit. The Jordan Valley and Whakapara districts have been severely affected. A Jordan Valley farmer said today that at least 100 head of cattle have already been lost by farmers in the swamp area. He expected that further losses would be discovered as the water receded.