1918 - Township flooded

Everything worked well for the Ōpōtiki community until 10 April 1918 when the township flooded and the dry storage batteries of the Letts brothers were destroyed.

“As a result of the flood the water supply system is badly damaged and the town is without water. The electric light and power have not yet been restored, and the town is in darkness every night. The restoration of the water supply and the electric light is indefinite.”