Flash Flood

A violens three-hour thunder-storm, in which more than one-and-a-half inches of rain fell on the city, resulted in considerable surface flooding in the business area.

Unable to cope with the torrent of water, Gladstone Road storm water drains overflowed to create large areas of water over footpaths and road.

One of the worst affected areas was in Midway, between Cobden Street and the Royal Hotel, where a lake several hundred yards long threatened local shops with serious flooding.

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Confined to their premises, shop-keepers view the lake from their doorways.

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Bingley and Evans' shop was awash. Jim Gardner pushes back the water, watched by Michael Cutts.

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Commercial bank staff member Mr L. A. Steed wrings water onto the street while mopping up his floor.

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At Gisborne Leatheries Mr T. Dempsey cheerfully attacked the rising flood.