SERIOUS FLOODS

Southland Times, Issue 20633, 3 November 1928, Page 8

SERIOUS FLOODS

SETTLERS MAROONED SOUTH WAIRARAPA INUNDATED FARMERS IN DESPERATE PLIGHT (Per United Press Association.) Carterton, November 2. The flood at present raging in South Wairarapa may be described as the most serious visitation experienced during the last 20 years. To-day the flood waters are spreading further afield, and the position of the Kokotau has not improved. Many settlers, particularly in the Ahiaruhe Soldier Settlement, are practically marooned on their separate islands. In some instances the water entered the dwellings, but not many to a great depth. A number of cowsheds were inundated and the settlers were compelled to milk their cows in the bails of neighbours who have generously come to their assistance. H. R. Renall (Kokotau) and W. M. Jury (Ponatahi) are both cut off from all but telephone communication. Though they have plenty of flour and bacon, bread and other supplies are right out. To-day various groceries are* being sent to them, but the problem is how to get them there. The case of Renall is growing particularly hard. He has to separate the whole yield night and morning, and as this has been proceeding for the past three days the cans are becoming full of cream, and nowhere to store the milk. Quite recently Renall shifted his house, which formerly was right on the river bank. The old site has now completely disappeared. No losses of stock have yet been reported. Further down the valley in the Kahutara and Tukitarata districts the conditions are even worse regarding the flood waters. An excessive rise in the Ruamahunga caused the water to break over the massive stopbank erected, and the country, which has been immune from flood for years past, is now covered. All the high country is covered with sheep, cattle and horses. The Tuhitarata factory has ceased work on account of water entering the factory and milk supplies are now being sent to the Pirinoa factory, which is hard put to cope with the extra supply. The same applies to the Kauotau factory, which is receiving supplies from the Ahiaruhe Settlement. Latest reports state that the Ruamahunga, after falling five inches, is again rising. The Kouotau bridge is very unstable and is closed to all traffic. Early this morning the eastern approach was washed right out and the county staff is hard at work endeavouring to save the structure from total wreck. Piles which were driven after a previous flood to shore up the structure have given way, and there is a very imminent danger of one span collapsing. Later reports from Kouotau state that the bridge is now wrecked, as the 30ft. span collapsed into the river, carrying with it the temporary piers erected to support the structure. The postal service is seriously upset, Ahiauhe, Kouotau and Ponatahi being completely cut off. The water has fallen two feet and the weather is improving. ‘ SLIP AT WELLINGTON. Wellington, November 2. Beyond a few slips no great damage was caused by the sudden lapse into winter, except in one instance at the viaduct which crosses Tinakori road and connects Kelburn with the suburbs of Northlands and Karori. A large slip came down right underneath it, blocking the road below and rendering the viaduct unsafe. A number of tramcars are cut off on the other side and the passengers are being transferred till the road is cleared. The viaduct itself is also closed for vehicles. OROUA RIVER IN FLOOD. TEN FEET OF WATER COVERS ROADWAY. FOXTON RAILWAY BLOCKED. Palmerston North, November 2. Due to heavy rains and the backing up of the Oroua River from the Manawatu, the river rose in the vicinity of Rangiotu and flooded to-day highways and other portions of the district. Owing to heavy rains causing flooding in various waterways settlers had ample warning that a flood was expected and stock was mostly removed to safe levels between Eketahuna and Rangiotu. It is stated that 10 feet of water cover the roadway. The Foxton railway is under water from Tiakitahuno to Rangiotu and services are consequently disorganized. The position around Rangiotu would have been worse but for water flowing into Taonui swamp. A heavy slip come down in the gorge on the railway line and delayed early morning trains to Hawke’s Bay and Wairarapa. The whole trains from Wairarapa were cancelled. The slip was removed by eleven o’clock and enabled trains at this end to get through but earth is reported again to have fallen. The line is now blocked. AN IMPROVEMENT AT WELLINGTON. Wellington, November 2. Sunshine prevailed in Wellington this afternoon and the wind dropped considerably. The Moera workers’ settlement in the Hutt Valley was flooded. The water was 18 inches deep in the streets but is getting away well. A house in the city was slightly damaged by a slip, a wall being slightly stove in by a fall of earth.