FLOODS IN TARANAKI.

Taranaki Daily News, 23 February 1935, Page 6

FLOODS IN TARANAKI.

A few days ago settlers in the province of Taranaki were calculating what would be the cost of the drought that had lasted so many weeks. To-day in urban as well as rural areas the Calculation is of what the cost of a disastrous rainfall will be and hdw it can be met. For those outside the flooded areas the rainfall Will be nothing but a benefit, but in the towns of New Plymouth and Waitara, and to a lesser degree in other centres, the toll of tho floods is very heavy. In New Plymouth a flood in the main business portion was considered almost an impossibility, and though yesterday’s disaster was the outcome of circumstances that may not be experienced again, it is an indication to municipal authorities that every practicable precaution must be taken to make another flodding impossible. It is impossible at present to calculate the losses that must be faced, but that they will be heavy is unfortunately beyond question. Private enterprises, in town and country, and railway and road authorities have all to face the damage brought about by Nature in one of her vengeful moods. The most satisfactory features have been the general desire to help those in distress displayed throughout the province and the determination with which repair work has begun. Yesterday there was scarcely any main route in Taranaki free for traffic. To-day there are few that have not been reopened, although in some places caution must be exercised. The railway authorities also have done their best to provide adequate temporary services, while in individual cases of injury or loss the Spirit of neighbourliness has been displayed without stint and by practical assistance. No doubt guidance for tee future can be obtained from yesterday’s experiences. Such guidance, and the kindliness the disaster evoked, constitute the only satisfaction likely to be derived from an unforseen misfortune.