TOWN FLOODED

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22084, 13 April 1935, Page 12

TOWN FLOODED

CLOUDBURST AT MARTON PEOPLE WADE TO WORK SHOPKEEPERS' HEAVY LOSS SCHOOL GROUNDS A LAKE DAMAGE IN THE COUNTRY IBY TELEGRAPH—OWN .CORRESPONDENT] MAKTON, Friday Over three inches of rain fell at Marton during the early hours of this morning and as a result there was 3ft. of water in the main street when an attempt was made to open shops for business. The creoks rose at an alarming rate and within a few hours of the cloudburst —for that is what it seemed to bo —all low-lying land in the town and vicinity was under water. Even at 10 o'clock Marton Park and the school grounds had the appearance of huge lakes. The school was closed for the day. Flood protection schemes have been carried out in recent years, but these proved all too inadequate for this morning's phenomenal downpour. Broadway at seven o'clock was like a river. Water entered the back doors of many shops on the west side and rushed on to the street, while it entered the lowlying shops on the east side. Many businessmen are losers as a result. Railway Tracks Submerged There were many unusual sights. Many men and women removed their shoes and stockings and went to work along the main street barefooted, while those who were thoughtful or fortunate enough to be wearing gumboots wero called upon to "pick-a-back" others into shops. It was not until about 11 a.m. that the "business as usual" sign could be displayed. At the Marton Junction railway station there were no signs of the tracks and trains ploughed through 2ft. of water. Shunters worked with difficulty. Work was impossible at the Marton Sash and Door Company's factory where timber jvas floating in the yard. Fences Washed Away Strangely enough there was hardly any rain at Tutaenui, about five miles north of Marton, but to the west the fall was just as heavy at Ttirakina, where 4.19 in. of rain fell in eight hours. Considerable damage has been done in the country. Farmers were out early this morning removing stock to the higher levels. Many fences have been washed away. Several country roads are under water, but there are no reports, so far, of blockages.