FLOODS IN THE NORTH

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22779, 15 January 1936, Page 8

FLOODS IN THE NORTH

MANY ROADS BLOCKED SERIOUS DAMAGE TO CROPS (Special to Daily Times) AUCKLAND, January 14. Heavy rain fell throughout the Auckland province to-day, resulting in serious flooding in the Far North. Roads in the Kaitaia district were blocked, but no serious damage to formation has been reported. Fences were washed away, but stock is believed to have escaped. Roads were also blocked in the Hokianga district, and large slips have occurred. At Taheke the water rose more than seven' feet in two hours. In the Bay of Plenty the Waioeka Gorge between Opotiki and Gisborne was temporarily blocked last night and this morning. Service cars, however, were little delayed. Meremere Hill, on the former main highway between Opotiki and Gisborne, via Motu, was completely blocked by slips. Crops in the Whakatane district suffered serious damage. The Hunua Gorge road was completely blocked to traffic last night by a large slip at Suicide Bend, about four miles from Papakura. A gang of men began clearing the road this morn- ' ing, and it was hoped that vehicles would be° able to use the road to-night. Should the heavy rain continue, however, it is thought that a further fall might occur. The weather is reported to have been very humid in the Waikato during the past week, and a period of dry weather would be welcomed. The warm rams have done much to stimulate the growth oi pastures, and a season of hdavy butterfat production is stated to be assured.