LOCAL RIVERS

Southland Times, Issue 18620, 19 August 1919, Page 6

LOCAL RIVERS

MILD RAINS CAUSE RISES. The recent mild rains have brought down a considerable amount of snow from the back country and caused many of the local rivers to overflow their banks yesterday. The New River' rose considerably and at the Iron Bridge at Wallacetown overflowed and covered the rOad together with a portion of the adjoining land. The water on the roadway was deep enough to stop many travellers ■ from venturing to cross and many country people, who had started for Invercargill on business, were compelled to return. The river showed no sign of receding last evening. The Makarcwa, although carrying a lot of water, had not risen over its banks yesterday and the Otautau, While very high in places, only overflowed near Bayswater. The rise was not sufficient to interrupt road traffic and there was no further rise during the day. The Waikaka just outside Gore was covering the road yesterday and made it impassable to motor traffic. Many care were stranded on both sides and the only chance motorists had of getting through was to go through some paddocks that were under water. Many drivers would not risk this and had to. return to various points for accommodation until the water subsided.

The Railway Department was able to run the ordinary trains yesterday, the water not having risen sufficient to interfere with traffic. RIVERS HIGH IN OTAGO. (Per United, Press Association). DUNEDIN, August 18. Heavy rain has fallen during the past few days. Reports state that the rivers are very high in Central Otago and a flood in the Taieri is feared if the rain continues. The train from Central Otago was delayed by slips and it is not expected here till after midnight. ,