THE 1897 FLOOD

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 72, Issue 287, 3 December 1929, Page 12

THE 1897 FLOOD

FURTHER RECOLLECTIONS REVIEW BY MR F. PURNELL I read with interest Mr Downes’ recollections of this great flood of Easter. 1897 (writes Mr F. Purnell, of Marton). 1 was then clerk of the Manawatu County Council, with- headquarters at Sanson. The Rangitikei and Manawatu County Council’s were in joint partnership with the Bulls Bridge and Scott’s Ferry—the former controlled the bridge and the Manawatu County the ferry. We were expecting a visit, from the Al art on footballers on the afternoon of Easter Saturday, and a party of four, including myself, set out in a horse-drawn vehicle to meet them and give a welcome in advance. We had proceeded some distance on the Bulls-Greatford road without sighting the Martonians. and correctly concluded that adverse weather had caused the cancellation of the visit. We immediately set out on the return visit and were surprised to find the Rangitikei River in high flood—there had been comparatively little rain locally. The old bridge, about 640 feet in length, was under repair at the time, and the water was found to he within inches of the decking and had actually reached the decking of the temporary bridge deviation. The crossing was, however, made without incident, although we were soon to reailse that we were the last to cross. We actually drove over the low-lying ground between the bridge and the Bulls cliff dryshot, but a few minutes after the crossing we observed a great volume of water flowing over this portion of the road, sufficient to carry driftwood and other debris. This break-through seemed to relieve the situation, and during the next half-hour there was no further rise in the river. We continued the journey to Sanson, thinking the worst was over, but later heard of the complete destrueton of the whole of the bridges on the Rangitikei River.

On the following morning the river presented an inspiring sight, tearing along at a great rate from bank to bank, nearly one mile in width. The centre of the stream carried debris of all descriptions, including much dead stock. Not a vestige of the bridge remained. Before it was really safe to do so boat-crossings were made. One of the first to cross was the late Mr J. A. Bailey* of Ohakea. That fine old man (recently passed away over 90 years of age) related to me his experience of that Friday afternoon. He was having afternoon tea with friends in a residence between the Bulls cliff and the bridge, when, without-warning, river water was observed invading the kitchen of the house. There was no time to lose; the four -wheeled buggy was hastily pulled out of the shed, but the horse was some distance away and could not be reached. The men of the party provided the horse-power, and after a solid hour’s battle with the rapidly rising waters safely deposited the women and children occupants of the vehicle beyond danger. I believe this outstanding incident was not even recorded at the time. On this lowlying portion affected, one residence was completely turned round by the force of the water, and the house carried the chimney intact with it, where it long remained an eloquent testimony of the record flood.

We made an inspection as soon as possible of the ferry house and property owned by the Council and in occupation of Mr P. E. Daniell (ferryman), wife and family. Air Daniell was away at the time, but Airs Daniell and the family had a frightful ■'Xperience. the river at this point stretching for miles in every direction. The house was not washed away, but was pushed off its foundations. The swirl of the waters scoured out a large hole, in which the house gradually settled and partially collapsed, but the roof remained above the flood level, and provided a safe haven for the marooned family. I can still recall its pathetic look; the whole of the contents were ruined, and no attempt was made to salvage either the house or contents. Both were plastered or covered with feet of river mud.

The ferry was subsequently reestablished, but the regular traffic soon found other routes, and the picturesque river road and ferry were things of the past. For several days railway passengers —and there were many away on holiday at Easter—were taken from Feilding or Greatford to the D Ils crossing by horse-drawn vehicles, and were ferried across by row-boat. Subsequently the crossing was made ,at the Kakariki Bridge site, the trains running to each bank, and the SansonBulls road, previously so busy, again assumed normal. Some months later, a crossing by punt at Bulls, about one mile below the present bridge, was established, but this was found unsatisfactory, and a temporary bridge was built. The tolls collected easily paid for the cost of construction. After much controversy the present bridge, estimated to cost £17,000, was constructed by the Government—half cost being paid by the local bodies interested. It is worthy of note that whereas the bridge destroyed was a little over 600 feet in length, the present bridge is 1565 feet long. It has outgrown its usefulness and steps are now being taken to erect a more up-to-date structure, which is badly wanted at this essential part of the main high way between Wanganui and Wellington cities.

It may be interesting to recall that a relief fund was established in Wanganui, and was liberally supported. The late Air A. D. ‘Willis, as Wanganui’s representative, attended the central meeting at Bulls, and general satisfaction was expressed that those who suffered heavily beyond the limit of ther financial resources were very materially helped by the liberality of town and district.