MOLYNEUX RIVER

Waikato Times, Volume 125, Issue 20890, 23 August 1939, Page 14

MOLYNEUX RIVER

SAND BAR DEVELOPS I INUNDATION OF FLATS Fears that their land will be overwhelmed by a flood of a magnitude to rank with that of the historical I*7B visitation arc hold by farmers along ihe lower reaches of the Molyneux River, and judged by the observations of a reporter, there is ample justification for such fears, says a Dunedin exchange. The southern of the tw r o outlets of the Molyneux (Koau branch has become so effectively blockaded by a huge recentlydeveloped sand bar that only a paltry stream connects New Zealand's largest river with the sea. The consequence is that there is no drainage for the flat lands of Paretai and that already something near 1400 acres of cultivation is lying under water. The depth varies up to about 1.8 inches, and it was estimated today that the water on the Hat was gaining at the rate of two inches every 24 hours. Position Desperate The position is more than serious; it is becoming desperate. As much stock as possible has been shifted to higher grazing, and feed is being transported. There have been losses, but they are not yet serious. That is an emergency that could be overcome if it was not accompanied by other threats, but the vicious storms of the past month or two have mutilated the sea front to such an extent that protecting sandhills have been flattened, and the sea has swept over on to the flat. Large areas of pasture and turnips are therefore struggling against a mix- ; lure of fresh and sea water, and at " least one agricultural expert gave his opinion that the experience ft'ill not only rot the turnips, but will also have a most detrimental effect on pastures.