EYRE RIVER OVERFLOWING.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17034, 7 May 1923, Page 7

EYRE RIVER OVERFLOWING.

LOW LYING PARTS FLOODED. All the low-lying parts of Kaiapoi are under water, and in some cases water entered the houses. The Eyre River rose during the night and overflowed its banks in several places, flooding Clarkeville, and the low-lying parts of Waverly and Sneyd Streets, Kaiapoi. The main drain at Flaxton lias also overflowed, the flood waters covering most of the land between Flaxton and the Cam River. Farmers are finding it necessary to remove their stock. A number of potato crops have been covered, and it is expected that they will be ruined. Forrest Brothers, who had a large stack of wheat just threshed, are having a most strenuous time endeavouring to remove the stacks. Volunteer helpers from Kaiapoi are assisting them. On Mr H. M’lntosh's farm seven stacks of wheat are standing in water. It is thought that the flood will reach its maximum at three o’clock this afternoon. Washouts have occurred on the Eyreton line, the in train being unable to reach Kaiapoi. The harbourmaster at Kairaki reported that his house is surrounded by water and that the whole of the Kairaki Plain is covered. Seas are breaking right across the north spit into the river. He considers that the pressure of the sea is too great for the river, and that there is little chance of the Waimakariri finding a new outlet. Both the Kaikoura and Hamper motors were forced to return to Christ-