WATER MAIN BURSTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LI, Issue 15521, 31 January 1914, Page 10

WATER MAIN BURSTS.

FLOOD IN NEWTON.

ROADWAY DAMAGED.

WATER REACHES CELLARS.

The bursting of an 18in water main last ovening in Karangahape Road, just at the corner of Ponsonby Road by the reservoir, caused considerable damage. At about ten o'clock those in the neighbourhood were startled by a loud roar, which was followed by a shower of stones and debris. The centre of the roadway was thrown upwards, and a great volume of water rushed in all directions. The flood, in ever-increasing volume, poured down Karangahape Road and the side streets. The gutters and drains were insufficient to cope with the flow, and the water rapidly increased in depth. Within a few minutes basements and cellars in the vicinity were flooded. When the water was cut off, about 20m after the bursting of the pipe, it was pos . sible to ascertain the extant of the damage done to the roadway. The tram rails and eleepers were, fortunately, not affected but the nip'alling between them and the asphalt had been torn up in all directions. In addition to a gaping hole some 15ft by 3ft, large ridges were visible, and a number of wooden blocks were loosened. The tram service was disorganised until the rails had been cleared of debris, and even then the cars had to proceed with the utmost caution, owing to the insecure nature of the road.' ! Pedestrians had an exciting time while < the water waß rushing down the streets. Many sought shelter in the shops, some of which were invaded by the water. In soveral instances the services of men were requisitioned to carry, members of the fair sex across the flood. A gang of workmen was soon employed repairing the damage. A good deal of ex- : cavation work will bo necessary to locate 1 and mend the break, and then the damaged roadway will have to be attended to. The extent of the damage done by water I in the cellars will not be known until an inspection is made to-day.