TORRENTIAL RAIN

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25987, 30 October 1945, Page 6

TORRENTIAL RAIN

TRAINS DELAYED BY SLIPS (P.A.) PALMERSTON N„ Oct. 29. Torrential rain on the eastern side of the ranges yesterday brought about flooding in that area. The Manawatu River showed a steady rise throughout last night to reach 16 feet above the summer level before it began to recede this morning. Flooding has occurred over large areas of farmland along the banks of the Manawatu, but the volume of water is not nearly so great as in the heavy flood in May, 1941.

The Auckland-Wellington express was to-day nearly eight hours behind time owing to a slip north of Taumarunui. Two railcar services between Palmerston North and Woodville had to be cancelled yesterday because of a light slip in the Manawatu Gorge. Trains to-day were using the Longburn bridge over the Manawatu River at a very slow speed in case the structure had been damaged by the flood. All the main roads on this side of the ranges arq reported to be open. A Taihape report states that heavy week-end rain in the Waiouru-Taihape area caused a high flood in the Hautapu River, There are many slips on the roads. The Taihape hydro power station closed down this morning when the water in the dam rose so high that the intake screens could not be cleared.

According to an Auckland message, the Wellington express arrived nearly four hours late this morning, owing to a slip in the King Country.