STORM IN WAIKATO.

Waikato Times, Volume 116, Issue 19353, 5 September 1934, Page 6

STORM IN WAIKATO.

BOISTEROUS NIGHT.

HEAVY DOWNPOUR REPORTED.

STRONG SOUTH EASTERLY BREEZE

Rain of torrential intensity, accompanied by a high south-easterly wind, caused a boisterous night in the Waikato last evening. After heavy though desultory showers throughout the daj the downpour commenced in earnest at five o'clock, and continued unabated until the early hours of this morning. There were occasional respites, but they were of only short duration, and the rainfall over the 24 hours preceding 9 o’clock tliis morning equalled .G9in. The stormwater drainage system throughout the town was severely taxed to cope with the unusual volume of water, but its efficiency was proved, and, with a minimum of flooding, the night was passed without any great degree of discomfort. Water amassed in / several hollows in the town, in some places to the depth of a foot, but there was no great inconvenience caused. Streams are swelled considerably, while the level of the Waikato River has shown a slight rise. However, in the Waikato no damage from flooding seems to have occurred, and, according to information given 'by local authorities this morning, bridges and roads are in good order. FLOODS AT TE AROHA. GALE AND HEAVY RAIN. MUCH COUNTRY INUNDATED. (By Telegraph—Special lo Times.) TE AROHA, Wednesday.' The south-east gale continued during the night, but abated somewhat this morning. Many hundreds of 'acres of low-lying land from Gordon to Paeroa are under water. The stop-banking work near Paeroa, recently done, stopped the flood from overflowing on to the main road. A quantity of timber is blocking up at the Waiorongomai bridge and the lower portion of the Herries Domain, and the whole of the borough reserve at Herriesville fronting the river is under water. Very little damage ,to the electric power lines has 'been reported from the country districts. The Waih'ou river rose five feet last night, and as rain is continuing it is feared that the concrete road near the racecourse will be inundated by this afternoon. At Gordon farmers took the precaution to remove stock to higher levels. Heavy slips ,in the Te Aroha mountain are denoted by a Rood of clay water down the Tunakohoia stream, which again flooded the lower end of Russell Avenue.