BACK TO WINTER.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXIII, 12 October 1926, Page 10

BACK TO WINTER.

BAD CONDITIONS GENERAL. RAIN AND SNOW. After a week of drizzling rain, which, to the annoyance of those interested in outdoor pastimes, continued over the week-end, the weather took a decided turn for the worse on Sunday evening, and the heavy showers experienced during the night continued throughout yesterday.

From reports received from the country districts, it would appear that with the exception of the Waimate district, the rainfall was heavier near the coast than further inland. where a fall of snow did not tend to make conditions any easier for pastoralists and runholders.

In tho Fairlie district snow commenced t.o fall at about six o'clock yesterday morning, and by noon 3 inches bad fallen on tlie flats, and from 4 to 5 inches on the hills, with every prospect of the fall continuing. With rain overnight, conditions were decidedly unpleasant, and by runholders who are in the midst of lambing operations, the reversion to winter conditions was regarded as most, unwelcome. The "Herald” mail car drivers who left town early on Monday morning, also experienced some inconvenience, small delays being occasioned through flooded creeks on some of the mail routes. The worst conditions were encountered on the Waiinatc run, particularly in the Hunter, Waituna and Hook districts, where assistance had to be obtained to get the mail car out of flooded creeks. In these districts paddocks in places were well covered with water, while snow is also reported to be well down on the foothills. On the Fairlie route snow was encountered at Albury, and was experienced throughout the round trip until Raincliff was reached on the return journey. Although the Opihi and Orari rivers are now discoloured, it was not until midday yesterday that the effect of the rain became really noticeable. It was not anticipated that any appreciable amount of flood water would come down yesterday, more snow than rain having been experienced higher up the river. Up to 9 o’clock yesterday morning 9 0 points of rain had fallen in TiD'.aru over the preceding 24 hours, and a further 25 points fell during the day. Telegraphic advices indicate that the rainfall has been pretty general throughout the Dominion, and floods are feared in some North Island district::.

MAIN TRUNK LINE FLOODED. EXPRESSES HELD UP. By Telearjupli—Press Association | AUCKLAND, Oct. 11. The Limited express, which left Wellington for Auckland on Sunday night, left Ohakune at 2.20- this afternoon, and made schedule time to Taumarunui, a big slip at Whakapapa having been cleared sufficiently to allow it to pass. The train arrived at Te Kuiti at halfpast five, when it was reported that the line was badly flooded between Otorohanga and Hangatiki. The train was therefore detained at Te Kuiti for the night. To-night’s Limited from Auckland to AVellington left with a full complement of passengers, but owing to the flooding of the line between Hangatiki and Otorohanga will remain at Franlcton Junction for the night. The ordinary express, which was to have left Auckland at 7.45, was postponed until 7.53 to-morrow morning. Three hundred immigrants who arrived by the Plororata to-day, were to have left by this train, and were already in their seats when an announcement of the postponement was made. All the passengers were notified that they could remain in the train for the night, if they wished, and most of the immigrants adopted that course, special arrangements being made to have the carriages steam-heated.

TROUBLE EXPECTED AT MERCER. By Te’enrapl’--Press Association AUCKLAND, Oct. 11. Serious floods are expected at Mercer within the next few days, as a result of recent heavy rains. Although the Waikato river is not rising abnormally as yet, roads are flooded, and conditions are much the same as they were during the floods in August. However, it is thought that conditions will not he at their worst for a few days yet. There is a depth of two feet of water on the main road south, and several families living in the flooded area have had to move to places on higher ground. FLOODS IN MANAWATU. By Tolejrriuili—Press Association. PALMERSTON N., Oct. 11. Heavy rain over the week-end caused the Manawalu and Oroua rivers and tributaries to rise to flood level, with the result that a large area of the Manawatu basin is inundated. There is fear that the flood will extend, its Ihe Manawatu is still ris-

ing. Settlers have removed stock to safety. Part of the borough was inundated by a small stream overflowing its banks, the result being that a number of houses were completely surrounded by water. The effect of a flood at a time when the district is just recovering from the July inundation is serious in the extreme. ROADS AND RAILWAYS AFFECTED. By Tolecrnph—Pro's Association WOODVILLE, October 11. There has been heavy rain since Friday, totalling over four inches. The rivers are flooded and the Gorge road is blocked. Slips on the Napier railway line were cleared this morning. The early trains were affected, but the express arrived oil time, being diverted through the Wairarapa. On account of a slip near Wliakaronga, no trains from Manawatu arrived until late this afternoon. An emergency train left Woodville for Whakaronga at 2 p.m., to tranship passengers and mail. The rivers are now going down. SLIPS ON RAILWAY.

By Tclexrn vh — Cross Association TAUMARUNUI, October 11. Heavy .n.u m-i cunuin.uu.iy uince Saturday at mid-day, with ilm result that a iieavy slip occurred on the railnay lino between Kakahi and Uwhango yesterday. A special works train was despatched from Oltalcune and commenced work on the slip at 8 o’clock last night. By 5 o'clock this morning the line was cleared, and the two Auckland expresses. which were delayed at Tuuinarumii, then proceeded south. As one train from Wellington has not yet reached Taumarunui, being held up by a slip near Martuii, the local goods' trains are somewhat disorganised to-day. Heavy rain has now (eased, though the weather is still threatening.

DOWNPOUR IN KING COUNTRY. i TE KUITI, October 11. Tlie heaviest, uuwnpour ot rain experienced in the King Country for many years occurred on Saturday and Sunday, 2i inches tailing in 24 hours between II a.iu. on these days. The business part of the town escaped serious flooding, but the school ground is under water, and the primary classes were suspended to-day. Tlie racecourse is under water. 4ft in places. The Te Kuiti road is 4 feet under water. Til;. :>ia .maokern River is the highest known for seven years, and is over the bank. The, road is covered to 5 feet. Some residents are completely' isolated. i■' set. 'in "i oi ■ Ivu ui is '“C'tecl for pedestrian and motor traffic. Another 6 inches would have flooded till* I’OUj/JK. Three miles north of Hangatiki there fe 6 inches of water r»i the r-ilwiiy line. All trains were held up last night. The water is now falling, and it is hoped lo get the train through at midday On the New Plymouth road all motor traffic was held up yesterday’, owing to 4ft of water on the road eight miles from Tc Kuiti The alternative route, via Mairoa, was also blocked yesterday, but this will he available to-day The weather is -‘■till heavy and overcast hut the glass is rising, and the water is receding.

HEAVY FALL IN OTAGO. By Telef’-nS— .Jssnoio!.!n« DUNEDIN, October 11. For the 24 hours ended i) a.in. 1.68 niches of rain fell With the winu shifting ’’■way from the south, the weather is improving, though dull, with more ram probable. The possibilities of a flood on. the Taieri are remote, as the river is falling.

RECORD FALL IN WAIIO.TO.

By Telecvonli — A CAMBRIDGE, October 11. October promises to linvo a record rainfall in this district. Up to 9 a.m. no less than -'5.(52 inches Had fallen. In October last year 3.11 fell. The country is now saturated. The low lying country is under water in many places Warm rains hare caused a phenomenal growth of feed, hat more sunshine is now badly wanted. Scarcely : any sunshine has boon experienced. ! '['his morning the Waikato River was ■ exceptionally high. ! TRATN DERAILED TN RANGITTKEI. By Telegraph —Press Association MARTON, October 11. Following bu Homs' alumni, iimtinnous rain, the Kangilikei presents n very .swollen appenrance, although the waters are now .subsiding. A heavy foil at Marton caused the stieams to bars! their banks, .mil take new courses, with the confluence in tho mam tlioioiigldaro, resulting m severe floodings of tho cellars of business premises. Last night the roadway was completely covered to a depth in aomo places of seven inches 'Hie street rc-sej-'-'e-' 'i •'■"'l '•-'we At the Marlon Hotel damage was do.a. Ui ..he ex ten. oi aimmt -lull. A sawmill was flooded, .md/‘•'m’k to proceeding under great difficulty. Owing to the heavy ru.-h of water

surface of the main roads is worn off in many places, and numerous slips are also reported W serious slip occurred on trie railway near G reatlord, when tho northbound Limited express was passing. It is behoved the vibration of the train loosened the face of the embankment, resulting in a fall ol several tons of earth The postal van at tho rear of the train was struck by debris and two wheels were derailed The train was held up there for 12 hours \rrammments were made at Morton ( to provide the passengers with food. \ witness of the slip which delayed the Limited considers that it was for- i

tunnto the. train was pr<«?c-oilmg at a slow pace. otherwise tho slip might have proved a terrible calamity. The train > "C™ MARTON, October 11. Further information regarding th» slip on the railway near Greatfnrd shows that sensational rumours were unfounded. . , , A 7)ji#».sengor on tnr* tram stft'Ml to a veportn* thrt whoti climbing hill about midnight a sudden ap'd'cation of the brakes was felt A\ hen the train stopped it was found that the engine had ploughed its wav throimh a small slip A second slio then descended, striking an emptv carriage next to the encrino and also the postal van immediatelv behind, derni’ing the rear wheels of tho latter. Fnrtunafelv the coupling an'”. thn"gh twisted, stood the strain, and no oilier damage was sustained, tho track being

only slightly, interfered with. It was thought that the heavy, sodden nature of the slip, steadily pushing against the train, caused the slight derailment. No passengers were hurt, and beyond the discomfort of an all-night sifting in the train, all was well. It was found impossible to tranship the passengers. The Department rushed a breakdown gang to the scene, and succeeded in replacing the van early this morning. At one place earth from the slip reached as high as the engine lights and the carriage windows. Even if the slip had been more severe, the damage would not have been so great as it would had the train been further up the hill, where there is a drop of upwards of sixty feet. The spot where the mishap occurred is at the bottom of the liill. The lino is now clear, although services arc disorganised.