The Waikato River in flood, 1907

The unprecedented rainfall just in January 1907 caused one of the biggest floods in the history of New Zealand. The three days of continuous rain bucketed down over the central North Island, from Taupo to Auckland, followed by one week of steady light rain. The few stop banks were overcome, houses and whole towns were under water, particularly in the low land areas between Mercer and Hamilton and at Morrinsville. Immense damage was done to grain crops and several households in the low-lying areas had to evacuate. A few bridges were washed away, main roads rendered impassable, and communication with the rural areas was cut off. Rail traffic from Hamilton to Auckland was suspended for almost a month. Fortunately, there were no casualties.

HCL_00169, Hamilton City Libraries

This photo was taken from the Ferrybank Landing with the boat shed in the foreground submerged in water.

HCL_02880, Hamilton City Libraries

This is another photo showing the flooded river. You can see Isaac Coates home ‘Wairere’ in the background on the right in this photo. 

HCL_01438, Hamilton City Libraries

This image shows the Waikato River in flood in front of the Union Bridge.