Heavy Rain Causes More Damage

"Water, water, everywhere nor any drop to drink." Wellknown lines which were particularly apt for the situation that existed on the Tahuna hillside early last month when torrential rain caused a major slip which disrupted the water supply to hillside residents. The slip broke a 15 inch main from the Roding Reservoir above the property of Mr J. L. Bathgate, 28 Bisley Avenue, and then flattened'his garage. At the same time, one extremely heavy fall, described as a cloudburst, found creeks and stormwater drains inadequate for the deluge that followed, and streets, homes, and business premises were inundated in some areas. Worst areas affected were those in Annesbrook and about Victory Square, but there were few roads in Nelson which did not show signs of the downpour.

For the hillside residents of Tahuna, however, the very wet winter and spring have had serious repercussions. Lack of stormwater drainage facilities have prevented water from being diverted, with the result that the hillside is saturated and showing signs of movement in places. A plan to remedy this position is at present being prepared by the city council.

Mr Bathgate's garage shortly after the slip (a section of the broken main can be seen at right)

Quick work by the council staff had the main reconnected within a few days

Before it could be turned off, water from the broken main cascaded down Bisley Avenue and into the Bay View Service Station.

Using fire hoses and by-passing the broken main, an emergency supply of water was given hillside residents

Water to a depth of nearly a foot entered the home of Mr and Mrs R. J. Thomas, 231 Main Road, Annesbrook, who with daughter, Miss B. Hartley (left) had an unenviable task ahead of them.

The Bisley Avenue slip also broke the main trunk telephone cable to Stoke, which is being repaired by Brian Miller and "George Ferris.

The bridge at the northern end of Suffolk Road was washed out and the creek was impassable until a temporary plank walk was laid

The man on the water cart on the Tahuna hills, Trevor Humphries, was kept busy filling buckets for residents, two of whom, Mesdameas Myrtle Eyles and Pat Sigley are seen here getting their quota.

Champion Terrace, showing erosion and part of the hillside which slipped on to'Bisley Avenue.

Muritai Street was another to get more than its share of surface water, and returning from school was a wet and hazardous business

Slush and water completely inundated this property at Annesbrook when the creek at the rear of the section became blocked with logs and rubble and surged through properties.

Adopting the motto of the Pony Express, Roy Jenkins made sure that the mail went through, but in Muritai Street it was a damp ride

Other houses at Annesbrook, inundated when the creeks blocked

Vanguard and Gloucester Streets intersection at low tide

Previous article Issue contents Next article

The Nelson Photo News

No 25 : November 10, 1962

Heavy Rain Causes More Damage