CAUGHT IN FLOOD

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXI, 14 October 1926, Page 4

CAUGHT IN FLOOD

PARTY OF MOTORISTS CHEST DEEP IN WATER ALL NIGHT (By Telegraph.—Bpecial to The Mail.) AUCKLAND, .This Day. Huddled against the side of a, motor car for nine hours of blackest darkness in order to keep it from being capsized by a swirling flood rushing across the road at a depth of sft. was the unenviable experience of a party of five motorists en route from Hauraki Plains to Auckland on Saturday evening in a service car driven by R. Oglier. The party left- Ngatea, the centre of the Plains, at 7.30 p.m., and made good time until reaching a. piece of road at Mangotawhiri, over which the water invariably flows after heavy rain. Mr Oglier had safely negotiated this stretch a few hours previously when the water was only a few inches deep. The car had not proceeded more than a few feet when it was swept, off Die road with the full force of a torrent of water sft. in depth, and came to rest against an obstruction. Owing to the force and weight of water the doors, which were totally submerged, could not be opened, and the passengers were compelled to stand chest deep in water all night. Their plight was noticed by some nearby residents, but nothing could be done until the waters partially subsided. The party was rescued early ou Sunday morning and after receiving the hospitality of residents they were able to continue their journey.