THE FLOOD DISASTER

Waihi Daily Telegraph, Volume XXXVII, Issue 9205, 5 April 1938, Page 3

THE FLOOD DISASTER

STORY TOLD OF THE TRAGEDY INQUEST PROCEEDINGS “PULLED OUT OF BED” , By Telegraph—-Press Association. WAIROA, this day. The inquests on those victims of the Kopuawhara tragedy whose bodies have been recovered was resumed yesterday by the coroner, Mr V. E. Winter. The tragedy occurred early on the morning of Saturday, February 19, when the single men’s section of No. 4 camp was overwhelmed by flood waters, and 20 men and one young woman lost their lives. Nineteen of the bodies were recovered, and evidence of identification in respect of these has already been taken.

Sergeant John Mclntosh, of Hastings, conducted the inquiries for t.l;e police, and Mr L. W. Willis, of Napier, represented the Public Works Department. Tlie first witness called was Rupe William Rangi, bridge builder, employed by tire Public Works Department. He said that on February IS lie was working at No. G camp. It was drizzling in the morning, but heavy rain came on in the afternoon, continuing until the evening.

CAMP UNDER WATER Tie was pulled out of bed about 3.30 a.m. by a man named Doyle, who said the camp was- under water. The electric light had failed. Witness got dressed and went towards the single men’s quarters. lie found it was hopeless, however, and'turned back.

At that time the water was coming over tlie single men’s quarters. He could see the cookhouse and some men crouched on the roof as the cookhouse collapsed. They gradually worked their way on to an annexe. Witness secured ropes and a motor car, focussing its headlights on to the cookhouse. He saw a man drifting down in the current, and then saw him pulled on to the cookhouse.

Willi the aid of ropes about 20 people were brought ashore from tho cookhouse. Witness stated that lie had been living at the camp since June, 193 G. He had never seen the stream come over tlie banks and had always considered the camp to lie safe. (Proceeding.)