FLOODS CAUSE ANXIETY

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21274, 30 August 1932, Page 8

FLOODS CAUSE ANXIETY

RAINFALE IN MANAWATU

LOSSES OF STOCK OCCUR MAN MAROONED ON ISLAND RESCUE UNDER DIFFICULTIES [bx telegraph —own correspondent] PALMERSTON JjORTH, Monday A particularly stormy week-end was experienced in the Manawatu district and flooding has occurred. , Heavy rain fell last night, accompanied by high wind. To-day the, rain abated somewhat, but the wind still blew with considerable force. The Manawatu River rose rapidly, and settlers experienced some anxiety, particularly at Rangiotu and Rangitane, where stock had to be removed to higher country. In the Tiakitahuna district, some stock losses occurred, nine cows owned by Mr. Morley being swept away. Overflowing its banks at Mr. W. Rowlands' property, the river rapidly filled the lagoon extending toward Rangiotu, and formed a great spreading lake, which covered hundreds of acres. The water completely blocked the Palmerston North-Foxton highway.

During the height of the flood in the Manawatu River, the discovery was made that Mr. Charles Adams was marooned on an island on which he had been camping, in the vicinity of the Fitzroy diversion. The swollen river flooded parts of the island, his tent being submerged. Mr. Adams was compelled to seek higher ground, and fortunately there are several high places on the island. He was able to reach one of these, but his plight was noticed by near by residents, who communicated with the police. Two constables were despatched to the scene and endeavoured to rescue bim with a>flat-bottomed boat owned by the Palmerston North River Board. A com.paratively calm area of water was selected, but the boat could not be drifted over. The party proceeded along the bank to make another endeavour. This proved unsuccessful, but the third attempt resulted jn success. The rescuers had a strenuous battle against the wind in their efforts to reach the island. During a heavy gust of wind shortly after 11 o'clock, one of the large plateglass windows in the shop of Goldfinch and Cousins at the corner of Rangitikei Street and the Square, Palmerston North, was blown in.

RAIN IN BAY OP PLENTY SLIPS IN WAIOEKA GORGE Rain fell at Tauranga between 8 and 11 o'clock yesterday morning, the total being .40in. The fall was very welcome to farmers, especially those who had topdressed and harrowed their pastures lately. Heavy rain on Sunday night and yesterday morning brought down more slips in the Waioeka Gorge, near - Opotiki, blocking the road. Traffic had to proceed via Motu. It is not known yet how long it- will be before the road is opened. COUNTRY UNDER WATER SERIOUS WAIRARAPA FLOODING [BY TELEGRAPH —riIESS ASSOCIATION'] MASTERTON, Monday Extensive areas of country in the Wairarapa district are flooded as the result of the heavy rain and snow of the past two days. Although the rain fell generally, the snow was restricted- to a comparatively limited area, extending from Waingawa to Kaiparoro and a few miles eastward 0i Masterton. The total rainfall of the past 48 hours in Masterton was about 3in., but much snow on the Tararuas was melted by the warm weather of Saturday, and this swelled the rivers, although far heavier rain must have fallen in the

ranges., About 3in. of snow fell in Masterton and the vicinity, where much damage was done to telephone, telegraph > and electric power lines, which broke under the strain. Repairs will take several days. Masterton telephone lines are suffering severely, 300 automatic lines being affected and many manual lines. Telegraphic communication with the north is interrupted at Kopuaranga, but one circuit was repaired this afternoon. Several rivers are now falling, but there is serious flooding round the Wairarapa Lake at Kahutara, Tawaha and Pihautea. At Pihautea, people were removed from their "houses by boats, and heavy losses of stock are feared.

A wash-out on the railway at Fernridge necessitates the transhipment of passengers, and it is not expected that the line will be restored until Wednesday at the earliest.

DAMAGE NEAR CARTERTON RIVERS OVERFLOW STOP-BANKS • - [by telegraph—press association] CARTERTON, Monday Rivers round Carterton rapidly filled and overflowed the stop-banks on the side of the Waiohine River. -The banks on the swamp side of the road also gave way, inundating the whole countryside. The main road south is covered to an extraordinary depth, completely blocking motor traffic. Two heavy trees were washed across the road, but were hauled off by county men' this morning. Ahiaruhe settlers are completely flooded and* no milking is possible on account of tlie flood waters entering the bails. Heavy snow has also been experienced and ground which is not covered by flood is coated to a depth of 4in. All feed is covered and .stock aro wandering along the roads seeking fodder. One settler lost two cows in tho flood. Two other settlers have about 12in. of water in their houses. Considerable damage has been done to many bridge approaches, and tho roadside between Black Bridge and Greytown has been gouged out to the extent of 4ft. or sft., adding further to tho danger to travellers. The Greytown high-pressure water supply is completely cut off through damage at tho headworks, and until water races are turned into the mains the town is i without water*