RIVER IN FLOOD

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 79, Issue 13, 16 January 1936, Page 6

RIVER IN FLOOD

WATER ABNORMALLY HIGH HEAVY RAIN IN BACK COUNTRY DIFFICVLTY in securing ’ barge j Owing to heavy rain having fallen in the National Park area during the past few days, the Wanganui River was abnormally high yesterday and a considerable fresh was running. Though not of a phenomenal nature, the flood was considered heavy for this time of the year. A rise of 20ft. was recorded at Pipiriki and at low water last evening the flood was &.‘t. above normal at the Town Wharf. A large amount of driftwood, including some heavy logs, came down the river yesterday, and although dead cattle were seen floating out to sea, no serious less of stock is expected. No damage has yet been reported as a result of the flood. •Steady rain fell in Wanganui amf surrounding districts almost continuously on Alonday and Tuesday, hence the tributaries which feed the Wanganui, especially in the vicinity of National Park, where the river has its source, rose rapidly. The flood started in the early hours of yesterday morning and was considered to have reached its peak last evening. In the city area alone it is estimated that four inches of rain fell in 48 hours. River steamers were able to navigate the flood waters yesterday and vessels bound for Wanganui from the upper reaches had a quick run down stream. At the Town Wharf, however, the Wanganui Harbour Board’s bucket dredge, which has been clearing out the berthage at the lower end of the wharf, was unable to work. Seven-knot Fresh When the flood was at its height yesterday afternoon, Harbour Board, employees at Castlecliff had some difficulty in securing a barge after it had discharged nearly JOO tons of shellrock from the Kaiwhaiki Quarry. In many respects this vessel, which was purchased in Wellington at tne end of last year, was very fortunate. She was towed down the river on Tuesday night, just before the flood started, and was safely moored at the seaward end of the Castlecliff Wharf. No time was lost yesterday in lifting the heavy blocks of stone on to .trucks, prior to their being taken out to the North Mole to form part of the reconstruction work now in progress, but before, discharging operations were completed there was a seven-knot fresh in the river. Barge in Dangerous Position. At that lime some heavy logs and large quantities of driftwood were being borne downstream by the swirling, muddy waters. The tide was on the ebb aud much of this drift found its way into the turning basin, while a large portion began banking up against the bows of the barge. The vessel was in a dangerous position owing to the fact that she xxas moored where the Castlecliff Wharf was receiving- the full force of the fresh. Some anxiety was felt lest the vessel carry away her moorings and an attempt was made to toxv her further up the basin. A wire hawser was attached to a small locomotive, but in spite of a determined effort being made, the piles of driftwood prevented the vessel from being moved ahead. Jt was then found that she could not be moved astern owing to the wood having accumulated under her bows, and eventually the services of a steam crane were required to lever her free from the obstructions. The barge xvas later moved round a corner of the wharf and securely moored clear of the current. Shipping Not Affected. The only vessel to work the port yer terday was the coastal motor-ship Alexander, which arrived at 8.45 p.m. with a large consignment of sheep from Pelorus Sound and sailed at midnight for Picton. As the Alexander discharged at- the Castlecliff Wharf she had no occasion to use the river and was not delayed by the fresh. When the vessel arrived, however, there vas a large amount of driftwood. She proceeded cautiously to her berth and was moored without difficulty. At the time a good current was still running, but it. was not sufficiently strong to retard the progress of a vessel to any great extent. 'l'he flood was subsiding late last night and it is not expected that the t.s.s. Kata, which is ex.e.'Cied this morning from West port and Greymouth, via New Plymouth, will have any difficulty in steaming up to the Town Wharf. The vessel has 260 tons of coal from West Coast mines for local discharge and is scheduled to dear Wanganui tonight. for Westport direct.