THE WEATHER.

Waikato Independent, Volume V, Issue 324, 15 January 1907, Page 5

THE WEATHER.

FLOODS IN THE WAIKATO. The dry weather in this district during the last few weeks, unlike that prevailing in the South, has been pleasingly diversified with rain showers, but this pleasant state of affairs was broken at mid-day on Saturday by a heavy downpour of rain, which has continued almost without cessation up to the present. ? The Waikato river at Cambridge is in very high flood—in fact it is not known to have been so high for the past thirty years. It rose fully six feet during the night, and at 10 o’clock this morning was within eleven feet of the floor of the bridge, It is extremely fortunate that the bridge has just undergone repairs and been considerably strengthened, otherwise the chances are that the structure would have been completely washed away. At the time of going to press the water was within six feet of the bridge. There is a great sea of surging water at the junction of the river and the Karapiro creek, and a large number of residents took the opportunity to-day of witnessing this rare sight. The Waipa County Council have a man constantly stationed at the Waikato bridge, and he keeps a sharp look out on all traffic passing over the structure

The bridge over the Karapiro appears safe enough, and there does not seem any likelihood of it collapsing. It is feared an immense amount of harm has been done to tha grain crops throughout the district. Many of the farmers were right in the middle of their harvesting operations when the rain set in, and they must suffer considerably as the result of the great rainfall, which is unprecedented for this season of the year. In the Pukekura and Pukerimu districts a good deal of the grain stocked in the paddocks, is beginning to blacken, and the owners will be heavy losers, if there is not an early resumption of fine weather. Considerable damage has also beeil done to the standing crops of grain, as the rain has beaten down a large quantity. Mr James Taylor, of Bardowie, who had between 170 and 180 acres of oats reaped on his Piako property, informs us that he had the bulk of the crop stocked about three weeks ago, but says that so far he does not personally anticipate suffering very severely. It is reported that in low-lying parts of the district some damage has resulted to crops and gardens. Up to the present, no loss of stock is reported. Shipping in various parts of the colony has been delayed and disorganised. It is reported that two men were guarding the Hamilton traffic bridge this morning, it being feared the structure would be swept away. Owing to the heavy rain, a slip occurred yesterday on the railway line on the Auckland side of Mamaku,' and the Rotorua express train was delayed for about two hours. Waihi, Katikati and Tauranga districts were on Sunday showing general signs of flood. The Waiau Creek was a rushing torrent, and Waihi itself was slowly getting under water as the rains, instead of decreasing, were increasing. A message from Invercargill states that a hevy thunderstorm passed over the Lakes District on Thursday last. Creeks previously dry between Kingston and Lumsden were running bank high on Friday. After a long spell of very dry weather, Wellington also experienced a heavy fall of rain on Saturday morning. Slight showers of rain have fallen in North and Mid-Canterbury.

WAIKATO TRAIN COMMUNICATION SHUT OFF. (PER PRESS ASSOCIATION). Auckland, This Day. A slip of earth in the approach to the Newmarket tunnel caused delay to trains early this morning. The line between Papakura and Hunua is flooded, preventing traffic. The Rotorua express did not leave, so that oommuication with the Waikato is now shut off. Lightning struck two houses in Gibraltar Crescent, Parnell, scorching the woodwork and knocking down the chimney, but doing no other damage. NEWS FROM HAMILTON. Hamilton, This Day, Very heavy rains are now falling over the district. The Waikato and other rivers are in heavy flood and several householders on low-lying land have had to be removed from their houses. The pumping station in connection with the town water supply is flooded, and a serious shortage of water is feared. Telegraphic communication with the country districts is interrupted. Yery serious damage to crops is reported. The floods are the most serious since 1874.

BLIGHT IN TARANAKI. Eltham, This Day. Owing to the heavy rains during the past three days, combined with the heat, there has been a great development of blight. Potato fields hitherto considered clean are now badly affected. The recent drought has scarcely affected the dairy industry in this district,