FLOOD DAMAGE

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXVI, 1 September 1932, Page 7

FLOOD DAMAGE

IN THE WAIRARAPA POSITION AT LAKE FARMERS APPRFHENSIV E (By Telegraph—Press Association) MASTERTON, This Day. Although the northern areas of Wairarapa are now free from flood dangers, the position around Lake Wairarapa is causing settlers whose properties adjoin its shores serious concern. The lake is reported to be af the highest level on record since the banks were erected. Very severe strain is being imposed on the protective works around the lake, and farmers are apprehensive as to the results if the banks give'way. Passengers, travelling by rail had to be transhipped again at both Fernside washout and at a slip at Wi Waka, between Eketahuna and Mangamahe. A large quantity of debris came down at a slip on the‘railway line at Wi Waka, completely blocking the line again. The working party had to suspend operations owing to the danger of injury to workmen from falling rock. ’ The line will now be blocked until Friday. Floods in Mangatainoka river badly damaged the Pahiatua town bridge, and two spans are down.

AERIAL SURVEY

EXTENSIVE FLOODING MASTERTON, 31st September. “The water has not receded to any i gi’eat extent and for miles and miles we could see nothing but water,” observed Flying-Officer J. Buckeridge, pilot-instructor to the Wairarapa Aero Club, who made an aerial tour of inspection of the Lower Valley yesterday. “In many cases,” he added, “the water is right up to the top of the fences, while in the Ponatahi district the water is swirling round the doors of several houses.” There was a gap of about 200 yards in the siopbank at Kahutara and the swollen waters of the Ruamahanga are still rushing through and further adding to the volume of water which covers practically the whole of the adjacent low-lying country. Mr J. 0. Sutherland’s property at Kahutara has suffered extensively from the flood waters, and an inspection of the property from the air revealed paddock after paddock submerged almost to the tops of the fence posts. Questioned regarding the probable loss of stock in the Lower Valley, Mr. Buckeridge said that it was impossible to give an estimate with any degree of accuracy until the flood waters subsided. Not a great many head of stock were seen, but here and there cattle, sheep, and horses were huddled together on small islands. . Unless the waters soon recede l their fate is problematical. Mr Buckeridge left Carterton at 11 a.m. for Pirinoa, accompanied by a manager of a Lower Valley dairy factory, who had been stranded in Carterton. A number of local settlers were taken up from Mr K. S. McMaster s property at Tuhitarata and “most of these,’ Mr Buckeridge, “while astounded at the vast area covered by the flood waters, appeared agreeably to find they bad any stock left at all.” A visit was also paid to • Martinborough, where Mr W. Colman was taken as a passenger to Kahutara with supplies for isolated share-milk-v ers. The Tawaha Factory, just south of Martinborough, was completely surrounded by water, some of which was running in at the doors. MORE RAIN AT MASTERTON MASTERTON., This Day. After a fine morning the sky later became overcast and several light showers of rain were experienced about mid-day. Rain is falling on the Tararuas range and indications are that rivers and creeks, which are now well down compared with their height during the past few days, may rise slightly again. There are few: signs about the town to-day of the abnormal flood. Masterton county roa’ds, which have been closed owing to slips, are practically all open to traffic again.

LAKE FALLING

WORST THOUGHT TO BE OVER MONTH’S RAIN OVER EIGHT INCHES .CARTERTON. This Day. There is'very little further to report in connection with the floods. Practically the whole of the northern area is free of water but the lower valley is still deeply covered. The soldier settlements at Pahuatea have been eased of most of the water, but subsidence round this area puts tremendous volumes into the lake., which has risen to a height well above all previous* records. It is reported that the lake waters overtopped the bank at Cate’s propertv, but the waters on both sides of the bank are practically at the same level, and no damage has resulted. Most of the settlers of Kahutara district gathered along the lakeside watching the waters, and report a fall of a few inches since last .night. This is taken as an indication that the worst is over. The outlet to the sea is running furiously, but five or six miles of narrows between the lakes seriously impede the flow from the upper lake. The rainfall for the month of August was 3.4 inches. To-day further rain has fallen and the sky is overcast, but no further trouble is anticipated.

THE MANAWATU

GORGE ROADWAY BLOCKED PALMERSTON* N., This Day. A big slip which came down in the Manawatu Gorge yesterday morning covered the whole of the roadway, and carried away a portion of the protective railing. Traffic is disorganised. Rocks weighing over a ton' have come down with the debris. There have been no slips on the railway line through the gorge since Monday morning. The line has been kept clear by sluicing operations at danger points. The weather, in Palmerston North yesterday was fine and sunny, and it was the hottest day experienced this season. MUCH LAND STILL UNDER WATER PALMERSTON N., This Day., The Manawatu river has fallen from a peak of 14 feet 6 inches to 6 feet 6 inches. Flood waters are steadily but slowly receding, but there is still much land' under water. The Palmerston North-Foxton highway and railway are still blocked near Rangiotu. Washouts occurred on the line. The road may be passable after 18 hours. ■ Further heavy rain fell this morning.