RISE IN RIVER ALARMS NAPIER.

Star (Christchurch), Volume XLIV, Issue 43, 20 February 1931, Page 5

RISE IN RIVER ALARMS NAPIER.

ARTIFICIAL LAKE FORMS BEHIND BIG LANDSLIDE. '‘Star” Special Reporter. NAPIER, February 19. Feelings of fear from the danger of floods were increased by a report that the level of the Tutaekuri River, which flows along the western boundary of the residential fiats of Napier South, had risen seven feet in seven minutes at /Riskington this morning. Alarming reports circulated when it was learned that the river was still rising; but fears were dispelled by an authentic statement that the. level had started to fall and a. satisfactory explanation by the Hawke’s Bay River,s Board of; the demand made on the river bed to carry abnormal quantities of water. It was explained that the river had been blocked at Patoka, thirteen miles higher up than Rissington, by a large landslide and that the water had been backing up behind this since the earthquake. Not until this morning, by which time a large artificial lake had been formed behind the landslide, did the water start to flow over into its normal bed again. The consequence was that abnormal quantities of water filled the riverbed, causing a swift rise in its level. It has been reiterated by the Rivers Board’s engineer, Mr F. C. Hay, that so long as fine weather continues Napier need fear no danger from floods and that, within a fortnight, city will be fully protected. MAYOR’S RELIEF FUND CONTINUES TO GROW. Donations continue to come in for the Mayor’s earthquake relief fund and the total now stands at £18,573 9s lOd. The Kowai County list now stands at £392 2s 6d. THE LONDON FUND. (United Press Assn.—-By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) LONDON, February 18, The Earthquake Relief Fund now aggregates £28,293, including donations from Lloyd’s Bank £525, and the Scottish Red Cross £SOO. AUCKLAND FUNDS. Per Press Association. AUCKLAND, February 19. Auckland city and suburban contributions to the Earthquake Relief Fund total to date £34,277, with one large borough, Mount Albert, yet to be accounted for. The total includes the Mayor’s fund £17,363, the ‘‘New Zealand Herald” £11,107, and the Auckland “ Star ” £3154.

TWO MODERATE SHOCKS FELT DURING THE DAY. Per Press Association. NAPIER, February 19. The weather to-night is fine; the sea ruffled by a slight easterly. Two moderate shocks occurred today, one at 6.40, the other at 8.45. A few minor shocks were also felt. Street lighting has been still further extended, and the water and sewage system are still receiving attention. Electric current is now available in a few houses after the testing of the old wiring proving satisfactory. Much progress is being made in the clearing of sites, and there are indications that further bodies remain to be disco\*ered in one or two localities. No attempt has yet. been made to clear the Breakwater Road. Some unnecessary alarm is felt concerning the rivers, one rising rapidly today because a dam had burst higher up. However, the water got away quietly and the river board’s overseer is satisfied that no danger threatens in that quarter during fine weather. The work of diverging the Tutaekuri is proceeding, and that river will soon discharge at the washout, saving a river course of five miles. Water is going down the~ new channel to-day.