COASTAL NEWS.

Gisborne Times, Volume VII, Issue 357, 6 March 1902, Page 4

COASTAL NEWS.

Times Correspondent, j Waiar-u last month was the scene of he heaviest flood that has been known here for more than twenty years, causing aniage to the extent of some hundreds

of pounds, totally wrecking many of the roads, and overflowing plantations and paddocks, thereby drowning numerous sheep and pigs. The Maoris are the greatest sufferers, as with very few exceptions their potato crops are completely destroyed, which is more than half their livelihood. The road that strikes inland from Port Awanui, on which, within the last twelve months, between .£2OO and JtbOO has been spent, is now in a more damaged state than it has been for years, especially that part known to many as someone's folly. There is one very palpable

mistake made generally in the formation of hilly country roads, which is, in putting small culverts at crossings of watercourses ; for although possibly dry in midsummer, there are times when these small riverlcts become raging torrents sweeping away all obstacles ; or if the culvert is fixed sufficiently strong to withstand the force of water, it causes a block, and a huge heap of stone and drift to accumulate, forcing the water to find another channel. It has been suggested that probably the most serviceable and lasting work at the crossings of these small torrents would ho pave or cement work the width of the traffic; the water would then have full and free vent for its volume. This last Hood has something more than the distraction of roads and crops to answer for, as the river in overflowing its banks inundated the tohunga encampment, causing the occupants to stampede to fresher, or drier, fields and pastures now, but they are now again in “full fling” at Waiomatatini. By the way, some of our white residents are undergoing treatment by the tohunga either for faith or commercial policy. An accident of rather a severe nature happened to Mr Charles Wilkie, a resident of Te Horo, about two miles from Port Awanui, last week. He was kicked by a horse rather seiiously, and in falling came in contact with a log, sustaining injuries to liis back. After lying for some time the natives heard his cries for help and went to his assistance. They carried him home and later in the day conveyed him in to the Sea View Hotel, where ho received every attention at tho hands of Mr and Mrs Smith, Dr Davis, of Waipiro Day, was sent for. On his arrival, he found that Mr Wilkie, in addition to the injuries to his back, had also broken a small bone in bis leg. Under the kind treatment of Mr and Mrs Smith, the patient is making excellent progress towards recovery, and should bo about again in about a month.