RIVER IN FLOOD

Waikato Times, Volume 132, Issue 22152, 25 September 1943, Page 4

RIVER IN FLOOD

PROLONGED WET SPELL EIGHT FEET ABOVE NORMAL A continued rise in the level of the Waikato River has followed on the prolongation of the wet spell, a report from the Hamilton pumping station this morning giving its height as Bft. 6in. above normal. That represents a rise of 3ft. since Wednesday, and Ift. since yesterday. Already the river is running at its highest since October, 1926 ; and it is not likely that the level has reached its peak. The greatest flood recorded occurred in January, 1907, but no flood since has approached the heights attained on that occasion. Drab and windswept, the river presented an unpleasant, yet through its abnormality a rather fascinating picture yesterday to anyone who had the inclination or ability to find a sheltered place from which to observe it. It held no attraction, however, for workmen and other engaged in tasks on the Roose Shipping Company’s wharf beneath the traffic bridge. The river had backed up around the shed and office, which were surrounded by a stretch of water to a depth of two feet. The river completely covered the wharf on which timber and other materials are stacked after being unloaded ficm the river beats, making working conditions well-nigh impossible. Farther on, the motor camp, favourite resort of campers in the summer, was practically unrecognisable, lying under several feet of water. The level reached more than halfway up the two dressing sheds placed in that area. Permanent occupiers of caravans in the camp were forced by the invasion of their precincts to move to higher land, but most of them viewed the situation philosophically. Glimpse of the Obvious A touch of irony was added by the sign “Water,” which in the camping season drew the attention of holi-day-makers to the presence of a tap. The sign was separated from the water’s edge by a wide expanse of river. From the traffic bridge it could be seen that the river was flowing round the foot of the Hamilton Rowing Club’s pavilion. Another indication of the extent to which the river had risen was afforded by the fact that small craft normally moored within a few feet of the bank now rode the current at a distance of about 40 yards. Although 6.92in. of rain has been recorded in Hamilton since September 13 and the average for the month of 4.02in. has already been exceeded by 2.90in., there still appeared today (the 13th successive day on which rain had fallen) any amount of rain waiting above to be released. There seems every likelihood that before the month is out last September’s aggregate of 7.55in will have been passed. This prospect was heightened by the fact that the barometer yesterday reached its lowest reading for many years, the astonishing level of 29.00in. No Major Damage The Central Waikato Power Board’s staff has been kept fairly busy attending to minor faults that have developed in the extensive territory as a result of the storm, but no major damage has occurred. Members of the stuff have quickly restored services that were interrupted by tree branches coming in contact: with power these have been fewer than usual, for the policy of the board has been for some time past in the direction of lopping all tree branches that were likely to cause interruption during stormy periods. In many paddocks all round the district there are sheets of water, and storm-water drains are filled. In swampy areas owners of stock have removed the animals to higher and drier ground, not through fear of any flood damage, but to enable them to graze and rest contentedly. Farm lands in the Waikato have seldom looked such a rich green and there has been rapid growth of feed. Unfortunately there has been considerable trouble with stock as a result of the amount of moisture in the feed, and dairy farmers have spent many night hours drenching sick cows.