THROUGH THE' GORGE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 75, Issue 205, 31 August 1932, Page 7

THROUGH THE' GORGE

AWE-INSPIRING SIGHT The swollen waters of the Manawatu are rushing through the Manawatu Gorge at a high level and present au awe-inspiring sight (says the Manawatu Times). There have been numerous minor slips on the highway, buL the position is being carefully watched by the surfacemen. Advices from Kumeroa are to the effect that thc river is still rising, though there is no danger in that locality, as the surroundiu* country is high. The extensive flat adjoining the Manawatu River on the Woodville side of tho Ballance bridge was covered yesterday morning. It is stated tha’ practically all the stock being pastured were removed to safety, although several were stated to be in a precarious position. Owing to the backing up of the Mnnga-atua Stream a large portion of the Masterton road and wide areas of the surrounding country were flooded. About three miles from Woodville thc water was approximately five feet deep in parts, and farmers had an anxious time. In the opinion of several of tho settlers the flood is one of the largest experienced for several years. A report states that a number of head of stock were seen floating down tho Manawatu River. At Papatama the Mangarawa Creek is running bank to bank, but serious flooding has not been experienced. The Mangapapa, at Woodville, is also running high. On Saturday evening Eketahuna ex pericnccd tho severest gale on record, some buildings in thc township suffering structural damage as a result of the cyclonic winds. Several shops in thc main street were affected, while houses in Nireha were partially unroofed. The river was running 14 foot above normal shortly after mid-day and thc snow inciting on tho Tara runs was increasing the volume of water indicating floods in thc district. ROAD REPORTS BLOCKAGES TO THE SOUTH BETTER CONDITIONS JN NORTH Tho Wanganui Automobile Association reports that the Manawatu Gorge Road i.s at present blocked by slips. The road between Palmerston and Himitangi is blocked and impassable at present. Although not in good order, the road from Palmerston North to Shannon and Levin, is open. Tho Fox-ton-Lovin or Fo.vt.on-Shannon roads are open also. With any more rain it is anticipated that the. Foxton-Levin Road may be blocked but the Foxton-Shan-non Road should remain open. Tho Pnekakariki Hill is open for oneway traffic, but care must he exercised as thc slips have carried away thc fences and thc road is very narrow in places. The northern roads have no suffered to such an extent. Tho road from Wanganui to Raetihi is in good order and, from Raetihi to National Park, Tailmarunui and To Kuiti, although it is greasy, it is not blocked by slips or washouts. Chains are not required to get through on any of these roads.