TAIERI FLOODS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24297, 14 May 1940, Page 8

TAIERI FLOODS

SURFACE WATER DISAPPEARING HEAVY ROAD AND RAIL TRAFFIC THE CLEANING-UP PROCESS The resumption of both road and rail traffic through the Taieri district to South Otago marks for the community at large the end of the Taieri floods, but for farmers and householders in the flooded areas, it is only the beginning of a heart-breaking task of reconstruction. During the week-end and yesterday the water level fell several feet, and as a result most roads and nearly all dwellings are clear of water. Several of the important tributary roads which divide the plains into blocks are still impassable, but these also are gradually clearing. There was unusual traffic on the southern railway yesterday as the department hastened to make up for lost time. A good deal of ballasting work has been found necessary on the line that was submerged, and a ballast train was in operation all day. Some parts of the permanent way near Otokia and Henley are still carrying a covering of water, but both express and goods traffic ran as usual yesterday. Heavy Volume of Traffic On the Main South road, too, there was a heavy volume of traffic, particularly sheep trucks, which worked at high pressure delivering delayed drafts of lambs and sheep to the freezing works. Through heavy traffic, which had been completely held up for several days, was also much in evidc'ncc Householders at Henley and Otokia were engaged yesterday cleaning out, the deposits of silt left after the flood waters receded, and the scene outside many dwellings was eloquent of the heavy loss suffered by the occupiers. Household furnishings, bedding and personal belongings of every kind could be seen laid out in the sun to dry, and at the hotel and store varied stocks of merchandise had to be put on to the road to permit the proper cleaning of the mud-covered interiors. Mr Edwin Smith, proprietor of the Henley Store, has probably been the heaviest loser by the flood in his particular district, but few people have escaped. Heavy Losses On the farms, many of which are still isolated and can be reached only by tractor-drawn floats or highwheeled lorries, the work of clearing up goes on quietly and steadily. The extent of the losses can only be guessed at, but the dead stock to be seen lying about, the ruined crops, and the flattened fences suggest that the over-all cost of the visitation will be a heavy one. The Taieri County Council has made arrangements for the burial of dead stock free of charge. A gang of men will start on the work this morning and farmers requiring assistance of this kind should apply to the Taieri County effices. RELIEF OF SUFFERERS THE MAYOR'S LIST The Mayor. Mr A. H. Allen, acknowledges receipt of the following additional donations to the fund for the relief Of sufferers from the Taieri ilcod:

FLOOD RELIEF FUND DAILY TIMES LIST

Members of the Mosgiel Businessmen's Association have interested themselves in the welfare of the settlers who suffered losses in the flood. As the result of a collection taken up on Sunday, a fairly large sum was received from visitors and well-wishers. The association will hold a dance in the Coronation Hall. Mosgiel, on Thursday evening for the benefit of the settlers.

£ s. d. Previously acknowledged . ■ 77 14 6 Dunedin Stock Agents and Woolbrokers' Associ ition 100 0 0 Mrs W. F. Edmcnd 20 0 0 Mr and Mrs J. A. Roberts 10 10 0 Mr Charles Baker 10 0 0 Sir Lindo and Lady Fer10 0 0 "Anonymous" ... 10 0 0 Mr and Mrs C. M. Grcenslade 5 5 0 Professor John Collie 5 0 0 Mrs H. F. Grindley 5 0 0 Mr M N. Hyndman 5 0 0 Canon C. H. Statham 3 3 0 " Sympathiser " 3 0 0 D. C. G 3 0 0 Mrs Philip Barling 2 2 0 Misses McLean 2 2 0 Mr F. H. Campbell 2 2 0 "Anonymous " J. N. 2 0 0 Messrs Mirams and Wilson 1 1 0 Anonymous " Nurse " 1 1 0 Mrs Leadbetter 1 0 0 "M. R." 1 0 0 Mr W. G. Young 1 0 0 Captain and Mrs Davis 0 10 0 "I. Y." 0 10 0 "M. D," £ 0 2 b 282 3 0

/ £ s. d. Previously s : cknowledged 51 12 6 50 " 0 0 50 0 0 Mr and Mrs James Eegg 25 0 0 Mr and Mrs Gordon Bell 10 0 0 Quick, Smith and Blcck .. 10 10 0 5 0 0 Bruce Coal Company, Ltd. 5 0 0 5 5 0 Mr and Mrs Garth Galla3 3 0 Misses Scorgie 2 0 0 '• Sympathiser," Dunedin North 1 0 0 Florence Couston .. 1 ,0 0 Crystal Ice Company 10 10 0 Mr and Mrs C. M. Costall 4 " 0 0 Andrew McKinnon 5 0 0 Mr and Mrs Andrew Arm3 3 0 Dr T. McKsbbin 2 2 0 2 2 0 Archdeacon end Mrs Cur2 0 0 The Misses Stark .. 2 0 0 2 0 0 1 0 0 0 5 0 Lewis and Lorraine .. 0 3 0 £253 15 6