FLOODS IN NORTH ISLAND.

Otago Witness, Issue 3714, 19 May 1925, Page 26

FLOODS IN NORTH ISLAND.

DAMAGE IN TE KUITI DISTKICT. LINES OF COMMUNICATION BLOCKED. TE KUITI, May 16. The Maugoekawa River rose another 2fl this morning. There were heavy showers during last night, but the weather had a brighter outlook. Thursday and Friday were very muggy, but it is colder to-day. Yesterday it was reported that several bridges were seriously damaged on the road to Marokopa, one concrete one over Kiretihere having dropped 4ft below the road level. Two miles of road near Marokopa dairy factory are under water to a depth of 4ft, and other parts were flooded to a lesser extent. Near Marokopa factory 301 tof the road w 7 as completely washed away. The floods in the Kiretihere district are said to be the worst for 30 years. It will be impossible for the mail car to get through for several days. Between Te Kuiti and Piopio the passenger service cars had to be transhipped by day, the watei being up to the floor of the -axs. They were only able to get to Mahoenui yesterday, owing to a slip on the Awakino Valley road. Slips have occurred frequently along the road faster than the gang could repair them. It is reported that Awakino and Mokau Rivers have both burst their banks. Some 7.18 at Piopio for 52 hours Thirteen cars are stranded. Three last night could not get either way. A settler named Falk had to leave Ijis house at Piopio owing to the flood. Conditions sho.w an improvement there to-day. The lines are down between Te Kuiti and Marokopa, and there was no news this morning. POSITION AT TAUMARUNUI. RIVERS SUBSIDING. TAUMARUNUI, May 16. The Wanganui River this morning dropped three feet, and the Ongarue River four feet below yesterday’s flood level. The fivers, however, are still in a dangerous state, and the river boat was again unable to depart. Many washouts have been reported,. one in the Otunui road, being 50ft wide and 20ft deep. J. McCann, a borough employee, had to vacate his house, situated near Taringamotu, as it was surrounded by water. Damage was done to Messrs Ellis and Bromand’s tramway, leading to the Ongarue mill, and the Bridges have also been seriously affected. The estimated damage in the Ongarue area totals £IOOO.