TRIALS OF SETTLERS.

Thames Star, Volume LIX, Issue 16800, 31 May 1926, Page 5

TRIALS OF SETTLERS.

THE RECENT FLOODS.

UNENVIABLE EXPERIENCES.

NOTES FROM WHANGAMATA.

The highest flood known in this district for many years occurred in the early hours of Friday, 21st. inst., but fortunately no losses of stock are reported, as the settlers, in anticipation of a flood, removed all stock to high ground on the previous day. Considerable damage has, however, been caused to roads, fences, etc. The track to Hikutaia (by which means the mail comes) was completely blocked in twelve separate places, and the telephone line was also carried away in several parts. Temporary repairs were effected to the telephone line as soon as it was possible to cross the swollen rivers, and communication was obtained with Hikutaia, after three or four days. Owing to the slips, etc., on the Hikutaia track, the settlers were without any mail for a fortnight. A working-bee was formed, when as many as possible turned out and worked for several days, making temporary repairs to the track to enable a horse to be led over the worst places. The track is still in a dangerous state in many places, and the repairs are purely of a temporary nature. A party of four (consisting of two men and two ladies) had a most unenviable experience when riding over from Hikutaia to Whangamata on Thursday, 20th. inst. When about halfway home, the rain came down in full force, and it was obvious that they would have to “make the pace” if they wanted to get home, as the rivers were rising rapidly. One of the men, in attempting to cross the last river, was swept off his horse, and had a very narrow escape, and the rest of the party were unable to cross. After a seemingly endless journey on foot, over bluffs, through thick bush and scrub, they eventually reached their journey’s end.

Two other residents had a somewhat alarming experience. They were camping out some considerable distance from home, and in the middle of the flight they suddenly found three or four feet of water rushing through the tent. Before they realised what had happened, the tent and all their gear was swept away, and they just managed to save one blanket. They had subsequently to spend many weary hours under the blankets, clad only in their night attire, in the teeth oj! a terrific gale and incessant downpour, while all around them was pitch dark and. swirling water. /. When daylight eventually came, they managed, by superhuman efforts, to reach a place of safety.