SERIOUS SLIPS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25849, 21 May 1945, Page 4

SERIOUS SLIPS

HOUSE PROPERTIES DAMAGED EFFECT OF HEAVY RAIN (P.A.) AUCKLAND, May 20. Hundreds of pounds’ worth of damage was caused to two house properties overlooking the southein end of the Point Chevalier Beach early on Saturday morning, -when about one-third of an acre of land slipped away during torrential ram, uprooting trees and carrying away asphalt paths, garden seats, and part of a lawn. Trees and rubble were strewn over an area over 100 yards in length, and one great mass of spoil still bearing an upright tree had passed over the low retaining wall on the beach and into the water for a distance of about 30 feet. The house on one property is seriously threatened by further eroThe owner of the house at 46 Harbour View road, Mr A. B. Brader, was awakened early on Saturday morning by a rumbling sound, and he assumed it was caused by the wind. Later, he discovered that part of his section, which was on a gradual slope running towards the beacn, was lying at the base of what was now a steep cliff. The abnormal rains had penetrated the soil to the papa rock, and with the greasy, surface created the earth had slid away. . The erosion had extended to the neighbouring property owned by Mr F. Dignan, and part of a wsll-laid-out garden containing numerous trees which Mr Dignan had planted over many years had slipped away. Mr Brader’s house is in the more dangerous position. Trees and paths were swept away with part of his property. which was scoured out to a maximum depth of about 30 feet inside the boundary. In view of the likelihood of further erosion, Mr Brader has been advised to make tentative arrangements with a contractor so that he will be prepared to move the house closer to the street if it becomes necessary.