A MILE WIDE.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXIII, 18 December 1925, Page 8

A MILE WIDE.

WAITAKI IN FLOOD. ’ -'; ’ r KUROW BRIDGE ENDANGERED'. (Special to the “Herald.”) OAMARU, December 17. Heavy rains in the back country, and a large volume of water coming from the mountains where snow is thawing, have had the effect of- causing tha Waitaki river to be in high flood., Parts of the river which were about 4 chain wide are now nearly a mile across. The river has changed its course a little, but is quite safe. The. force of the water has washed away , three piles of tho railway bridge between ICurow and Hakataramea. The bridge, is now in a dangerous state, and the Railway Department is not running trains to Hakataramea, as they do not think tho bridge could support the weight. . _ The water is now subsiding, and it is hoped that the bridge will not be washed away, iff , which event Hakataramea would be isolated. 1 , Fears have been entertained as to tho safety of the water-race, which is tho main source of Oamaru’s water supply. Several Borough Councillors visited the part of the race where a washout had occurred, but repairs were -effected. The race is protected by a balustrade of willow trees at the intake, and these have successfully withstood the of tho storm-waters. The water-race staff are having an anxious time.