AFTER THE STORM.

Wanganui Herald, Volume LIII, Issue 16035, 28 January 1920, Page 8

AFTER THE STORM.

I j I SHORTAGE OF WATER AT I TE AWAMUTU. I The storm which damaged the To I Awamutu water works has created I general excitement in that town, houseI j '.vives generally searching every nook I | and cranny for water. Bathtubs full I j and basins lull are jealously guarded. I ! Ihere is a prospect of a little supply § ! for some days under the Borough CounI ;mi supplies. Motor lorries, carrying § j *T u ?k s ) parade the town and outskirts I i giving water to those in need of it. i i farmers are indeed lucky, and- well I j water is at a premium. Some is 8 j being brought to Awamutu from farms I iat Ngatoro. A scene of great desola- | | j ion exists at the dam, where the earth is sodden for a great distance. Slabs of concrete and wood are lying all around. There is evidence, of a cloudburst on Pirongia. The supply was maintained steadily until yesterday afternoon, when the pressure failed j and the reservoir - ran dry. It is now ■ cracked and fissured. The whole course of the stream was diverted, and it is now a raging torrent, running at some r _ distance from the intake pipes. Rents ;r an d tears in the mountain road show the force of the down-rushing torrent. __ Large parties of workmen were motored out by the borough foreman, and it is estimated that 40 men are working i long shifts to ensure a temporary supply in a few days. The question of bringing the pipes from the main stream is completely out of the question. The heavy bridges were shattered in a remarkable way. These are of the thickest concrete, capable of standing tremendous strain. The town is in a jocular mood, although the seriousness of the position is realised. Already the hotels are restricting. baths and shaves, and only beer or tea is supplied to guests. The only danger to the town is that of fire,