MENACE OF FLOODS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20256, 16 May 1929, Page 10

MENACE OF FLOODS.

IEITEES BISE RAPIDLY. mm IN HAWKE'S BAY. MANY AREAS INUNDATED. NAPIER TRAINS STOPPED. DEEP WATER OVER LINE. [BV TELEGRAPH. —OWN CORRESPONDENT. ] NAPIER, "Wednesday. Commencing with a steady drizzle on Monday afternoon, rain fell so consistently, that by this evening, when a lull was experienced, practically all the low-lying areas adjacent to rivers in the Hawke's Bay district from Waipukurau North Were under water, most of the rivers having broken their banks. Early this evening Meeanee Village and Taradale, a Ismail township a few miles from Napier, .were in great danger of flooding from the Tutaekuri River, tin. banks of which were in a dangerous state. Gangs of men were working feverishly .to stop the gaps in the crumbling banks of the river, and the work had been carried on right through an anxious night by every able-bodied man in Meeanee, which nestles right under the river banks. Most danger was feared in this locality, but ther.e were other places where considerable damage was done. Services Interrupted. Between Napier and Hastings the railway line is flooded and the mail train from .Wellington was unable to get through to its terminus, passengers and mails having to be transferred to other modes of transport. Tho railway omnibus service between the two towns was interrupted, the buses having to make a long detour. Numerous slips occurred on the NapierWairoa Road .and two fords were impassable. Consequently servico cars were unable to mako tho trip. Several cars from the Wairoa end, which was not affected to tho samo extent as the southern portion, were trapped at Tangoio, and exciting moments were experienced before safety was reached. When darkness fe.l this evening tho plains surrounding Napier wer.o a sheet of water, which at many places was over tho fcnco tops. Fortunately farmers were given ample warning, and in most cases stock was removed to safety. Danger was foreseen last evening at Meeanee, where in flood times tho Tutaekuri invariably breaks its banks first of the throe big rivers. Heavy seas backed up tho water in the river, and to add to tho difficulties and danger, debris banked up at tho bridge in the village, acting as a runway for tho water which rose over tho decking and poured down the approaches to the low country on both sides. ' : Race. Against River. Tlio liver was then twelve and a-half feet above r.ormal level and in places was beginning to burst its banks. Engineers from Napier left immediately for tho spot and with residents worked doggedly practically all night stopping the breaks. The obstruction at tho bridge cleared itself arid the approaches were dammed. Then began a stern race to heighten the banks near tho village with bags filled with earth and to stop the gaps with tussock and anything else that would serve the purpose. It was a hard race, but the villagers won. At least they saved their properties, although tho river broke through in three other places less important and not accessible. This afternoon the river had risen another three inches and this evening a further rise was threatened. It was calculated that three hours would suffice to reach the greatest danger point, when tho fate of the surrounding country would be decided. Conditions in Esk Valley. In the Esk Valley district, about 12 mile's north of Napier, through which runs the Esk River, the danger and damage arc not great, the river having cleared its mouth and drained aWay sufficient water without trouble. However, the road leading north to Taupo was blocked for some time, but roadmen effected a clearance without any trouble. The breaking of the banks of the Ngaruroro River resulted in the flooding of the railway line and main roads between Napier and Hastings so that at 10,30 this morning tho bus service was stopped. A special train service was then instituted, but a few minutes before, the 3 p.m. south-bound express left word was received that the line was' under deep water in two places and was deemed dangerous. Buses were used to take passengers and luggage by a roundabout route to Hastings, where the train was eventually despatched at' 6 o'clock this evening. The Wellington-Napier express due here at 5 o'clock was stopped at Hastings and buses were utilised to bring mails and passengers by a safe detour to Clive where a special train brought them on to Napier Close Watch on Rivers.

A relief train will leave Napier at 5.30 in the morning with men to inspect the 3 : ne and estimate tho damage and danger. Hopes are not very bright that - tho train services will bo resumed tomorrow. To-night tho Ngaruroro River seemed to- form tho greatest, menace. . An inspection showed tho position to be very grave. The area affected lies between Na,pier and Hastings, The roads late this afternoon were in an alarming state and the flood waters had reached a point much higher than in the flood of 1927. Fences had disappeared entirely, and on all sides of tho roads the view consisted solely of an area of flooded farmlands. At Fernliill, west from Napier, the scene was alarming. If a heavy fall of rain takes place during the night the situation might become critical. The river, usually a placid stream, has filled from bank to bank with a great sea of frothing, turbulent water. Tho only means of communication Napier now has with the Sonth is by ■ rail to Clive, thence by bus through Havelock North in the higher country to Jjastings, _ Tho road north to Wairoa and Hastings is impassable owing to swollen streams and slips. Late to-night the rain was still heavy ul- i • "weather showed no signs of ,»® a . Close watch is being kopt on tho- -moMf, - Imt nothing can be done . until they fall. 1 *