WAIROA HARD HIT

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 8737, 20 May 1914, Page 7

WAIROA HARD HIT

GREAT LOSS IN STOCK AND ROADWAYS. RIVER RISES SIXTY FEET. Press Association. WAIROA, May 19. Reports from the country this morning indicated that very heavy losses had already been caused amongst stock, while roads were damaged and bridges gone in all directions. Tho Waiau river (a tributary of the Wairoa) rose over sixty feet, and the Wairoa was still rising this morning, while rain continued heavily. At 2 o'clock this afternoon th© river had risen over all the walls, and the town wharf, at the Harbour Board shed, had dropped six inches, while several piles had been washed away.

Tho Mohaka river rose to an enormous height last night, and the postmistress had to leave her office and take shelter at tho hotel, as the water was running through her office. At noon to-day the JVlohaka bridge was safe, hnt fears for its safety were entertained.

The Wairoa harbour works were still holding this afternoon, hut the contractor, Air C. Pulley, is a heavy loser owing’ to a part of the inner training wail and tramline being washed away. The main works, as far as can be ascertained, are intact. The tug Kino, which was lost yesterday, has been washed up on the beach, seriously damaged.