WAIHOU RIVER RISES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LX, Issue 18381, 23 April 1923, Page 8

WAIHOU RIVER RISES.

DAMAGE AT TE ARTSHA.

FARMERS' LOSS OF STOCK.

[BY TELEGRAPH.OWN CORRESPONDENT.] TE AROHA. Sunday.

The condition of the weather became more settled yesterday morning, although slight showers continue. The rainfall was the heaviest experienced in this, district for years, as will be seen by the figures covering a period of seven years past, the heaviest falls during that time being recorded on November 20, 1917, with 2.16 in., for the 24 hours; on June 5, 1920. with 2.64 in.; -while for the 24 hours ending at nine o'clock yesterday morning, no less than 5.95 in. fell.- The Waihou River was still rapidly rising yesterday, and extensive damage has been caused by wind and 1 flood-waters. For miles abound, all the low-lying land is flooded, and in many parts of the district communication is cut off through the roads being several feet under water.

The traffic bridge at Waiorongomai is flooded, also the recently-concreted Toad between Te Aroha and Te Aroha West, while the main road from Te Aroha to Paeroa is at many points impassble, a.nd the journey by vehicular traffic is impossible. The Northern Steamship Company's tug-steamer, Rotokohu,awhich arrived at Te Aroha on Friday with a shipment of cargo, is unable to return until the river lowers sufficiently ■to allow her to pass undor the railway bridge. The only connection with Paeroa at present possible is by launch. Te Aroha itself presents the picture of a seaport, Farmers ; report losses of stock, animals being swept into the river. To-day the flood was ebbing fast.