EXCITING MOMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LX, Issue 18533, 18 October 1923, Page 10

EXCITING MOMENTS.

THROUGH FLOODED RIVERS.

MOTORISTS' ROUGH TRIP.

TOUR OP MIGRATION EXPERT

[BY TELEGRAPH. —OWN V CORRESPONDENT.] : CHEISTCHURCH. Wednesday.

Mr. F. B. Smith, tile agricultural expert attached to the Overseas Settlement Delegation, accompanied by the Commissioner of Lands for Marlborough, arrived in Kaikoura this evening after an exciting journey. •

At Clarence the party was put across the river in a small boat. A rent had been made in the approach and the crossing was a risky one. This morning the party left for Christchurch. When the Kahautara River was inspected at 9.30 a.m., huge sea§ were breaking right up to the damaged bridge. There seemed no possible hope of crossing, but three draught horses were hooked to the car from which the passengers had alighted. Then a great wavo came along. . The horses swerved for a moment; then they pulled, but almost came to a stop in midstream. The engine of the car was then brought into requisition. It was an exciting moment but the car safely steered to tho southern side of tho Kahautara.

The huge seas were pounding at the mouth of the river and for miles along tho coast white surging foam could be seen. _ The travellers crossed on planks to connect with a ladder and ascended the southern side of the bridge, and joined the car. Cheers were given for tho driver, as he reached safety. At Oaro further difficulties had to be overcome, but.all, went well. Mr. Smith arrived in Christchurch at 9.30 this evening. He was carried bodily over some of the swollen streams, and at tho Conway, where the bridge had been damaged, ho crossed in a dray. At the Conway ho was met by Mr. G. H. Bullard. commissioner of Crown lands for Canterbury, and came on to Christchurch in his car.

When seen shortly after his arrival, Mr. Smith said that unfortunately weather, conditions had prevented him from forming any impressions of the country he had passed through to-day. but he had been very pleased with what he saw of the Marlborough district.