IN THE WAKAPUAKA DISTRICT

Colonist, Volume XLVII, Issue 11486, 13 November 1905, Page 2 (Supplement)

IN THE WAKAPUAKA DISTRICT

the rain waa the heaviest experienced for forty years, and daring the night the creeks overflowed, flooding the low lying lands. Oldham's Creek overflowed, and the water poured along the road for five or sis chains, rising to a height of^over two feet. Fourteen slips occurred between town and the Suburban North Hotel, varying in size from one cubic yard of stuff to 100 yards. The bridge at Todd'.q creek subsided, whilejthe one at "Thackwood" was washed away entirely. Yesterday, fourteen^ or fifteen men were engaged in repairing damages and removing the slips. From the Suburban North Hotel to Drum Duan was yesterday one sheet of water, but so far as can be ascertained, there has been little, if any, loss of stock. It is curious to note that the slips have all come away from the hillsides about eight or ten chains above the road level. Mr Knapp, the County Overseer, spent yesterday directing operations, and he expected the small bridges would be temporarily renewed and ready for traffic to-day. It is estimated that it will cost £50 to repair the damage caused by the floods. Mr William Gill had a narrow escape from drowning while returning from town during the height of the storm on Wednesday evening. fc.He was driving across the bridge at the •'Thackwood" creek, when the horse stumbled, breaking one trace, and almost overturning the trap. Fortunately Mr Gill was not thrown into the running torrent, or the consequences would have been serious. It was afterwards found that the bridge had commenced to give way when he crossed. At yeaterday's meeting of the Waimea County Council, Councilor Gill reported on the extent of the damage done in his riding, and stated that he had engaged as many men as possible to clear away the slips. On the motion of Councilors Best and Rollet, the Council approved Councilor Gill's action.

The officar in charge at Wakapuaka (Cable Bay) wires as follows:— "Road completely blocked with heavy slip. Mail contractor unable to cross the river."