CLOUDBURST.

Waipawa Mail, Volume LI, Issue 24, 11 November 1929, Page 3

CLOUDBURST.

TERRIFIC DOWNPOUR. MINER DROWNED. AUCKLAND, November 10. Reports from Paeroa state that serious floods occurred as the result of a cloudburst on the ranges between Kornata and Marapoto, accompanied by torrential rain. Information from Marapoto is that the creek rose over ten feet ill five •minutes and became a raging torrent, in which three lulls used as sleeping quarters by miners were swept away. Percival Ernest Crunton, miner, aged 30, married, whose wife resides at Waihi, was asleep in one lint when he was swept away in the debris. Ilis body was recovered by search parties some distance from Ihe site of the hilt. Most of the miners who slept in the hut lost all their belongings'. Several motor ears near the creek were submerged. It is believed that little damage was done at Ihe Ohinemuri mines, but ioek and boulders were carried down the stream, causing great damage. The river has subsided and work of repair was begun at once. The settlers in some areas state (hat the downpour was Ihe heaviest in living memory. A drover namei Taylor had a sensational experienci when driving cattle across the creek The water rose suddenly and Severn cattle were swept down a waterfal and drowned. Taylor rescued a com minion and both swam the river am then formed a life line of horses bridles and dog-chains, pulling thei companion through the flood.