GISBORNE AND WAIROA

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21503, 29 May 1933, Page 10

GISBORNE AND WAIROA

SETTLERS' TRYING TIME WATER ENTERS HOUSES TRAFFIC ROUTES ELOCKED [:bt TELEGRAPH OWN correspondent] GISBORNE, Saturday Rainstorms which swept tho whole length of the East Coast and as far south as Hawke's Bay gave rise last night to serious alarm concerning the possibility of floods, settlers in the danger areas at Patutahi, Waerongaahika and Makauri being particularly concerned.

Stock was transferred from low-lying portions of the flats to points where the animals would be above the lovel of possible inundations, or were concentrated near roads in readiness for quick despatch to high ground, while settlers' families made preparations to meet an emergency which seemed almost certain to arise.

During the night the Waipaoa River roso to a high lovel, but it did not top its bank at any point, and by nine o'clock this morning tho danger -was considered to havo passed. An inspection of the river near Waerengaahika this morning revealed that the highest point reached by tho floodwaters up to eight o'clock was at least Bft. or 10ft. below the tops of tho flood banks. On the Gisborno side of the Waipaoa rain has continued steadily all day and tho situation still causes some anxiety. Record Rainfall The rainfall at Gisborno for tho 2-1 hours ended at nine o'clock this morning, 5.63 in., was a record. The total rainfall for tho four days of rain this week was 7.loi*i. up to 9 a.m. to-day. Tho previous record fall for 24 hours, 5.80 in., was on June 11, 1917. Moro rain fell during tho 24-liour period to this morning than during tho whole of March, April and the greater part of the present month. It is reported from Wairoa that during the last four days tho. rainfall has aggregated 9.64 in., and that no less than 7.sSin. was registered for the 24 hours ended at nine o'clock this morning. Cars wore held up for some timo by trees which had been blown down by the storm and had blocked the road. On tho East Coast Road trouble was experienced at several points. A big slip was reported from Tatapouri. All north-bound traffic was stopped on this side of tho slip, and south-bound traffic was held up at Tolaga Bay Gorge, whore further slips had occurred. At Goosman's Camp there was another trouble spot, and on Loisel's Flat tho road was covered with water. Beyond Tolaga Bay, at Mangatuna, there was flooding by tho Uawa River, which banked up all the smaller streams flowing into it and blocked the road to traffic for a time. A freight truck which made the journey from Ruatoria to Tolaga Bay this morning could not return owing to tho inundation of the road near Mangatuna Maori settlement. Damage Comparatively Light

The Cook County engineer states that, taking most aspects into consideration, the county came off comparatively lightly, particularly in view of tho phenomenal rainfall. Most of the roads in the county remained open to-day, although a few were unsafe. Flooding that had occurred at the headwaters of the Taruheru River had affected a large area of land between the back of Orinond ftoad and Tucker's Road, and silting and scouring had occurred on the roads. Slight flooding had also occurred at Willows Settlement.

At noon to-day it was reported from Tolaga Eav that slips in the gorge on the Gisborne side of the township had brought down a considerable amount of spoil, covering the road for a distance of two chains and for a depth of about 4ft. It was anticipated that the road would not be clear until Monday, although a large gang of men was put on the job to-day. Last night a bus was in trouble at Mangatuna through backing into a wash-out while being turned round at a point where the dopth of water on the road prevented further progress northward. Bridge Washed Away Many residents of Mangapapa, a suburb of Gisborne, spent an uncomfortable time last night as tho result of tho Matokitoki Creek overflowing. The water entered a number of houses, scoured gardens and roads and threatenedto cause a more serious position. A bridge opposite the Memorial Home has been closed as a result of damage. A temporary low-level bridge on the Kanakanaia .Road was washed away last night and settlers depending on .that road for their outlet are isolated. This is the second bridge destroyed on that site within 15 months. Wairoa reports this afternoon stated that the township was isolated by slips on both tho Gisborne-Wairoa and the Napier-Wairoa sections of the main highway. Tho Wairoa River was in fresh and the ferry punt operators had difficulty in managing tho unwieldy pontoon under the prevailing conditions. It was decided therefore to open the now bridge unofficially for the use of the public.

PINE DAY IN NORTH FLOOD WATERS RECEDING [I'ROJI OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT] WHANGAREI, Saturday After a week of almost continuous rain, beautifully fine and warm weather was experienced to-day, ajid tho water in tho flooded areas is rapidly receding. In tho Whakapara area tho water reached to within one foot of tho highest level recorded for 22 years. No stock is reported to have been lost. Further north tho rain has been even heavier than in this district, and the Kawakawa racecourse was submerged. The inflow of water in the Wilson's Collieries mine at Hikurangi, operated by Mr. A. T. McGlaslian's co-oporativo party, is under control, and this afternoon it was ascertained that the level was being slowly reduced, but it will take some time beforo it is reduced to normal STEAMER PUTS TO SEA LOADING AT TOKOMARU BAY [by TELEGRAPH —OWN CORRESPONDENT] TOKOMARU BAY, Saturday A dry spell for ten weeks has been broken by a phenomenal rainfall during the past two days. Waima recorded a fall of 6.44 in., Waipiro Bay 8.17 in. and Waipare Station 10.47 in., with nearly 9in. in the last 24 hours. Very heavy seas are breaking right over the Waima Wharf. The steamer Cumberland was forced to suspend the loading of frozen, meat and left the roadstead for fear of dragging her anchor, and will cruise until the seas moderate. Several workers from Waima were compelled to remain on board. All rivers are flooded, and tho main south road is under water, service cars being checked by slips.