MAIN HIGHWAY FLOODED

Southland Times, Issue 23183, 26 April 1937, Page 4

MAIN HIGHWAY FLOODED

Invercargill Cars Held Up MOTORISTS GET OUT AND PUSH EXCITING EXPERIENCES YESTERDAY The main road between Invercargill and Dunedin was flooded in several places yesterday as a result of heavy rain during the week-end. Although it was extremely cold in Invercargill on Saturday and Sunday less rain fell here than further north. From Gore on sheets of water were to be seen on either side of the road, which in one or two places was practically impassable. A few of the more daring motorists managed to get through, others turned back and some took the detour through Conical Hill, where until late in the afternoon, no trouble was experienced. A number of Invercargill residents motored to Dunedin on Saturday to attend the performance of the Russian Ballet, and they had some exciting expediences on the way back. At least one car was abandoned and several were left at various points when their owners decided to catch the train. Party’s Experience In motoring from Dunedin yesterday morning the first serious trouble was experienced about eight miles north of Clinton. Water trickling across the road further north had given three Invercargill residents who were returning from Dunedin a foretaste of what might be expected later. The first flooded part was safely crossed, but the second, a mile or so nearer Clinton, caused a lot of bother. By the time the small car had gone 20 yards water was blocking file exhaust and the car came to a stop—with about 200 yards of swirling water between the travellers and the dry part of the road they were aiming for. The two male members of the party discarded shoes and socks, rolled up their trousers and waded into the icy water. Solid pushing had the desired effect and after a delay till the plugs were dried they set out hoping to reach Gore without further trouble. But they were disappointed. The car was taken through flooded parts at Waipahi and on do Pukerau, where they were confronted with almost impassable masses of water. One or two cars with more clearance got through with difficulty. After consulting local inhabitants the driver of the small car decided that as two of the party had to be in Invercargill last night his best plan would be to go back to Waipahi and take the route through Conical Hill, Waikoikoi and Willowbank. This road proved to be in good order and what flooding there was presented no difficulty. It was a relieved party which arrived at Gore with a clear road to Invercargill ahead of it. Flood Waters Rise Some other motorists who attempted to drive through the flood waters failed to do so and had to get out and push. Those who took the Conical Hill road later in the day found that the water had risen considerably and the floors of some cars were covered to a depth of several inches. The experience of those who came through the floods in the darkness is not likely to be forgotten. One car had been abandoned on the main road north of Clinton, and another was stranded near Waipahi, but was later pulled out. Last night south-bound cars were held up at Balclutha and north-bound cars at Gore, and it was stated that there would be little chance of their getting any further before today. The Railway Department’s bus, which leaves Dunedin at 1 p.m. and is due at Invercargill at 6.30 p.m., did not arrive last night till nine o’clock. The road between Heriot and Tapanui was also impassable yesterday. Extremely rough weather, but not so much rain, was experienced in other parts of the province. The road at the Iron Bridge was clear last night.

MOTORISTS BOARD TRAINS

ABANDONMENT OF CARS When the expresses from the north and south crossed at Waipahi last evening, several motorists who had been travelling on the Dunedin-Invercargill highway boarded the trains. At Waipahi the road, which was clear at four o’clock, was impassable two hours later and motorists had to abandon their cars and proceed by train. By seven o’clock the flood had reached a depth of six feet and was still rising. A house on the outskirts of the town had water knee-deep inside, but as the occupants had had previous experience of floods they viewed the rising water with equanimity. Linoleum and carpets were taken up as the waters rose, the piano was placed on a table and the residents went upstairs, where they waited until they could resume their ordinary duties again. In several flooded fields cattle stood waiting patiently for the rain to cease and the flood to subside. A contrivance was fitted to a large bus which was travelling to Dunedin with a party of lodge members who had been visiting Invercargill The bus had come through several stretches where the water rose above the exhaust pipe, and there was a danger of it entering and stalling the engine. This difficulty was overcome by fixing a long rubber tube to the exhaust pipe, the end of the tube being passed to a passenger, who held it far above the level of the water.