IN GISBORNE DISTRICT

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 8736, 19 May 1914, Page 5

IN GISBORNE DISTRICT

HEAVY RAIN CAUSES RIVERS TO OVERFLOW. Press Association. GISBORNE, May 18. A south-easterly storm of exceptional severity has been raging since 8 a.m. on Sunday. Tho steamer Warnmoo arrived from Auckland yesterday afternoon, but was unable to tranship passengers and put out to sea. She has not yob returned. A tremendous jtoa is running off the coast. Heavy rains are falling on tho whole eastern seaboard, and tho rivers are in high flood. Tho Waipoa river overflowed its banks at midnight, but though much water is lying about the flats no dam»ge of any consequence is reported. Settlers in tho. danger zone have taken tho precaution during tho night to remove stock to the higher levels. The steamer Ngahero, moored at Gisborne wharf, broke adrift last evening, but the anchors were promptly (mt out and held tho vessel safely. RIVER UP TWENTY FEET. Midday The river has risen 20 feet at To Karaka, and rain still continue®, Tho waters aro encroaching on Pa tutalii township, and settlers have taken the precaution to remove stock. Not much damage is anticipated. BOATS SENT OUT TO RESCUE SETTLERS. , GISBORNE, 1.10 p.m. Boats are being sent out from town to assist settlers in ■the country, several of whom have water through their houses. Tho railway services arc suspended owing to extensive slips, and water is over tho railway lino at Makauri and Ormond. OFFICIAL REPORT. At 8 o’clock last evening tho Telegraph Office advised as follows: “Communication with Gisborne has been totally interrupted all day. Napier reports weather very bad, and country flooded, and little chance ol communication being restored to-mor-row. Tho postmistress at Mohaka has had to abandon her office owing to floodi. The approach to Mohaka bridge has been washed away, and it is fear’d that tho bridge will also U.o.

“Wairoa reports; —River in high flood, ind no chance of any mails leaving tlerc for several days-”