LORRY SWEPT AWAY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19235, 26 January 1926, Page 10

LORRY SWEPT AWAY.

SUDDEN FLOOD IN AWATERE.

ENGINE STALLS IN STREAM. WALL OF WATER COMES DOWN. [BY TELEGRAPH. —OWN CORRESPONDENT.! BLENHEIM. Monday. As a result of a sudden flood in the Awatere River the Molesworth mail contractor, Mr. J. Peters, had his motorlorry swept away and very badty damaged. Mr. Peters left Blenheim for the Molesworth on Saturday morning with a heavy load of general cargo and mails, Ho had one passenger, Mr. Cleland, of Molesworth, who was returning home. On reaching the Limestone ford it was noticed that the river was up a little, but wading demonstrated that it was; only knee deep, and Mr. Peters essayed to run the lorry across. About half way a boulder impeded progress', and the engine stalled and could not be restarted. Mr. Peters and his passenger made their way ashore, tho water then being up to the lorry's running board. They returned with horses in about an hour, only to find that the water had riser* to the driver's seat, making it impracticable to move the truck. The irails and cargo were got to tho bank by means of horses, and steps were being taken to secure the car when a sudden wall of water came down the river and swept the vehicle from sight. It was discovered yesterday about two chains down stream, almost completely buried in shingle and surrounded by deep water. It will have to be dug out. It is apparent that the general damage will be severe.