A MIDDAY REVIEW.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17037, 10 May 1923, Page 9

A MIDDAY REVIEW.

WAIMAKARIRI LOW. There were further rumours today that the Waimakariri River was in high flood and was likely to burst its banks, but the report from Arthur * Pass to-day contained the reassuring news that the river was low. IN THE NORTH. The Waiau road is completely blocked on the Christchurch side, and the route from Culverden to Haumer ia also impassable, though an effort will be made to get through to morrow, according to a city motor lirm. WAIAU “MUCH BETTER.” Flood waters at Waiau have gone down considerably; in fact, “ things are much better,” as one resident stated to-day. The aftermath of the Hood, however, is appearing in the shape of numerous wash-outs on the roads, slips and buried fences. There was some rain at Waiau yes terday, and to-day the weather was still dull, with intermittent rain. ROAD BADLY DAMAGED. One of the worst cases of wash-outs occurred in the Oxford district, on the Lees Valley road, and it is not expected that this route will be open tor vehicular traffic for some weeks. In the meantime farmers oit a soldier settlement there will have no way of transport except by horseback. With what are regarded as the worst three months of the year ahead, and with the likelihood of snowfalls later, the prospects for the soldier settlers arc not bright. LOSSES OF STOCK. Although the position is improving :i a number of country districts, enabling settlers to get about more easily, many farmers are not yet in a position to estimate their losses of stock. Instances ot' cases where an odd beast or two have been swept away by floods are not infrequent, and it is also likely that some stock have been buried by the numerous slips whieh have occurred. One serious loss which is reported from Ellesmere County, fifty stud Southdown ewes, the property of Mr G. L. M’Gregor being caught by the flood. RAIN STILL FALLING. Reports received from the country districts today stated that rain was still falling fairly heavily in most parts ot North Canterbury, but that there had been a further subside new of flood waters, enabling people in the flooded areas to move about more freely.