DAMAGE AT OPOTIKI.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LV, Issue 16824, 15 April 1918, Page 4

DAMAGE AT OPOTIKI.

LANDSLIDES ON ROADS. WATER AND LIGHT CUT OFF. [BY TELEGRAPH.— PRESS ASSOCIATION'.] OPOTIKI, Saturday. Land traffic between Opotiki and Whakatano is still interrupted as a result of the flood. In the Otara Valley, at a point about 14 miles from Opotiki, a portion of the road was swept away, while traffic has been obstructed at other places by landslides. A party of workmen who visiied the point where the water-pipes cress the Otara River discovered that the main pipes had been burst by the Hood. Volunteers were called for this afternoon, and the party will effect temporary repairs, if possible, to-morrow. The lack of water is retarding the work of cleaning the residences and business premises, and it is difficult to obtain a sufficient supply for domestic purposes. The absence of electric light is also causing much inconvenience, while the shortage of labour is being felt acutely. Large quantities of damaged goods were sold by auction this afternoon. Probably the heaviest sufferers in the country districts were Messrs. Black Brothers, whose farm was heavily dam aged, while many of their cattle and 1000 of their sheep were swept out to sea.