COUNTRY NEWS.

Thames Star, Volume LIX, Issue 16799, 29 May 1926, Page 4

COUNTRY NEWS.

THE RECENT FLOODS. FURTHER DETAILS. Further details of the extensive flooding at Tairua last week, is supplied by our Hikuai correspondent as follows: One of the worst floods ever known in Hikuai occurred last Thursday night and wrought considerable havoc. During the day it rained steadily from the east, and the river rose rapidly, overflowing its banks and flooding the adjacent fields. By nightfall, the main road was completely under water; and many fences had disappeared from view. The height of the flood came shortly after midnight, when the tide was full. After that it subsided a little, not before it had done considable damage, however. Many residents spent an anxious night watching to see if the water would invade their houses, and, water being no respecter of persons, many houses were flooded—several, indeed, that have never been flooded previously. Quite a number of peopl* were compelled to place their beds on the table, while various belongings floated hither and thither.

Some amusing incidents occurred in connection with the flood. One farmer opened his door and went outside to attend to the dog. While he was out, his cows, evidently preferring the comforts of a residence to battling

with the elements outside, took advantage of his absence and rushed inside, from whence he was unable to di'ive them; he was compelled to spend the night as best he could on the roof. Two other men who were sitting on the table, with the water washing over it, were evidently desirous of enlivening the situation. Consequently, one took his cornet and played, while the other sang, “It Ain’t Gonna Rain No Mo’.” This was only interrupted in order to rescue the cat, which was swimming heroically from a sinking bed to a less precarious resting-place.

Some farmers have had considerable losses. One has lest 17 cows and another 10—carried away and drowned. The local store was flooded out, and many perishable goods were destroyed. Many fields are quite ruined, being covered with one or two feet of sand and silt. Some crops that had been recently sown were destroyed. It will take some farmers a considerable time to repair the various fences that has been destroyed. Sheds have been shifted, and logs are piled in heaps.

The swing bridge, which affords the only means of transit across the river to the school and the Tairua road, was smashed and swept away by the flood. This is causing considerable inconvenience, as it is impossible to cross the river on horseback, on account of the bed being scoured in places. Arrangements have been made, however, to ferry the children across the river so that they can attend school. On account of the flood, the mail was unable to go or come, and evidently ;t has affected the telegraph. Communication with the outside world is cut off.