GALE AND HEAVY RAIN

New Zealand Herald, Volume 82, Issue 25346, 30 October 1945, Page 4

GALE AND HEAVY RAIN

KIVKK IN HKiII FLOOD ! WAN GAN UI STOCK LOSSES (0.C.) WANGANUI, Monday After a boisterous week-end, with a westerly gale and exceptionally heavy rain, rivers and streams in the Wanganui district are swollen, and flooding of low-lying pastures has occurred. The Wanganui River is in high flood and. after rising steadily all day, reached its peak late this afternoon, when the water was only oft below the level of the town wharf. Large quantities of driftwood, including uprooted trees, are being swept downstream at an estimated rate of five knots, with the result that the navigable channel between Castlecliff and the town wharf is dangerous to shipping. The small coastal motor-ship Nikau is at the town wharf with extra lines out as a precautionary measure. Judging by the number of floating carcases, some stock losses have occurred in the higher country. At, Pipiriki. n7 miles from Wanganui, the river was 20ft above the wharf this morning, but at this point the river is narrow and swift flowing. Pipiriki is cut off from Wanganui. however, because the river road is flooded to a depth of loft. A service car was unable to make the journey today and all upriver landings are under water. Minor slips havci occurred on backblock roads and some settlers are temporarily isolated. The flood waters are receding, however, and, provided there is no further rain, the position is expected to be normal by tomorrow.

MARES AND FOALS MAROONED SWIM TO SAFER GROUND (P.A.) PALMEKSTON NORTH, Monday Three brood mares with foals at foot were marooned on a small flood-made island near Awapuni. When it was seen that they were in danger, prompt action was taken to get them to safer ground. A man rode across to the island, which was steadily decreasing in size, and he induced the mares to enter the water. The mares, with their foals swimming alongside them, set out across the strong current in the deeper channel for the bank some two chains away. One foal failed to make the passage, and it was seen out in midstream gamely fighting a losing battle against the current. The mare went back into the flood and swam down below her foal and shepherded it ashore, none the worse for its experience. MISSING WOMAN UNSUCCESSFUL SEARCH No trace has yet been found of Mrs Gwenyth Elaine Rosser. aged 25. who is believed to have been drowned in the harbour on Thursday night. A patrol of the harbour was carried out yesterday by the police launch until 3 o'clock in the afternoon, when the search had to he suspended owing t-o poor risibility. CENTENARIAN MINISTER DEATH OF REV. W. RAEBURN (P A.) WAIROA, Monday The death has occurred of the Rev. William Burnett Scott Raeburn, aged 101. He was born in Scotland and received his education at the Kdinburgh University. being an outstanding student. He arrived in New Zealand when a young mjan, his first charge being in the Waikato Presbytery.

Over 40 years ago Mr Raeburn came to Wairoa, where lie laboured faithfully for many years. Since his retirement from the charge of St Andrew's, he had conducted a weekly service at his home, the last being only a fortnight ago. ACCIDENT IN FACTORY The condition of Mr William McDonald, aged 31, single of 21 Nelson Street. City, and Kaki Davis, need 16, of 01 West Street. Newton, who were admitted to the Auckland Hospital on Saturday morning suffering from burns and shock, was not serious last night. Both men, who are employees of New Zealand Cheese, Ltd., St;." Benedict's Street, City, were burned by hot water from a pan which was being cleaned after the completion of production on Friday night. COLLISION WITH POLE Following a collision with a centre pole in Dominion Road near the Balmoral Road intersection, shortly after 6 p.m. yesterday, a motorist. Mr Charles Heard, aged 43. contractor, of 12 Coleman Avenue, Mount Roskill. was admitted to the Auckland Hospital with concussion and head injuries.

At the time of the accident Mr Oeard was driving from the city. His car was extensively damaged, and a tramway clock affixed to the pole was broken. Mr Geard's condition last night wa-s not serious.