HEAVY FALLS OF RAIN

Taranaki Daily News, 18 December 1933, Page 7

HEAVY FALLS OF RAIN

flooding on west coast

SOME DAMAGE TO THE RAILWAYS.

WASHOUTS AND SLIPS REPORTED.

FALL BENEFITS CANTERBURY.

By Telegraph—Press Association.

Greymouth, Last Night. After a droughty period of five weeks rain came on Saturday with a nor’-wes-terly wind, gradually increasing over the week-end. The Hokitika River ran hank high at midday on Saturday but then receded.’The Grey River rose markedly to-day, indicating steady rain up the valley. Streams near the town rapidly flooded. Since midday some streets surfaces have been under water and others have been eroded. The worst damage, however, is in the Brunner district, where it is Reported two old Dobson mine shafts allowed the entry of water, so that the mine may be idle for a day or two. On the Midland' railway line near the Dobson mine binns two washouts occurred, each 20 feet deep and 30 feet long. There were also two slips east of Stillwater. Gangs have gone to repair the damage, but it is doubtful if trains will run to-morrow. Other slips occurred on the Reefton and Runanga lines. There is considerable flooding around Omoto, near Greymouth, but no damage is reported there. Steady rain set in from the east with every prospect of its continuance, says a Christchurch message. Ram is very badly needed. Already sufficient has fallen to freshen the pastures and wheat crops, but to do an appreciable amount of good much more rain is needed. However, the prospects of a steady, soaking rain continuing for a useful period are better now than they have been for many weeks, and a continuance of the easterly weather with steadily falling rain would assure'the season for farmers. Rain is general over the province and in North Canterbury, where the drought has been more severe, half an inch has fallen.