FLOOD WATERS RECEDE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21279, 5 September 1932, Page 10

FLOOD WATERS RECEDE

SOUTH WAIRARAPA AREAS HEAVY STOCK LOSSES FEARED THE PROBLEM OF FEED [BY TELEGRAPH —PRESS ASSOCIATION'] MASTERTON. Sunday The present position in the flood area in Southern Wairarapa is that the waters are falling and this improvement will continue unless there is an unfavourable change in the weather. The areas in the region of Wairarapa Lake, which were threatened on Friday, are safe for the time being. In the Pirinoa district also the waters r.re falling, though the subsidence is retarded by congestion of the channels throughout the district and by the stopbanks along the narrow channel connecting the upper and lower lakes. The outlet at Like Ferry is reported to be running ifreelv.

Except in outstanding cases already reported there i:s little specific information about losses of stock. Many settlers have saved all their stock, in one case though only about 100 acres remained unsubmerged out of a property of 2400 acres. The opinion still holds that stock losses in various places have been heavy. A serious problem will arise in feeding stock, much of which is marooned on small areas as tho waters recede. Ultimately there will be a splendid flush of growth on tho flooded areas, but where much silt is left there will bo no feed for a time. Somo hay has been brought in and more will bo needed. Trains are not yet getting through, Fernside and passengers wero transferred yesterday. However, it is expected that tho line will be clear tomorrow.

FARMER'S MISFORTUNE 16 BAMS RUSH TO DEATH One sheep farmer with a property on the banks of the River Wainga'wa was out with his dogs mustering in the course of the flood period, when one of his flock of 16 rams, for no reason other than animal stupidity, suddenly rushed into the swollen river. The other rams immediately followed, and the whole 16, valued at £5 5s apiece, were drowned before the owner could stop them. Flood waters caused considerable damage on other farms, and bodies of drowned sheep and laml>3 could be seen tangled in the top wires of fences. The heaviest sufferer in the Moiki district is Mr. A. V. Jury. One hundred sheep of his which Lad been placed on land unknown to have been flooded for 50 years were swept of! their feet and huddled against a fence, where they lay dead in heaps. Most of the houses in the Pukio settlement were inundated, and one man had to be rescued from the top of his house by a boat. Large numbers of dead swans were washed up on the shores of the lower lake, and 22 were counted in one heap.