FLOODS in the SOUTH.

Auckland Star, Volume XXIII, Issue 34, 10 February 1892, Page 8

FLOODS in the SOUTH.

(bt telegraph.—press association),

Dunedin, this day. Thi state of the Taieri Plain is deplorable. From within two miles of Mosgiel right up to Greytown the Plain is almost covered with water. At Outram on Monday night people remained up all nighb fearing the embankment would give way. The water reached within a few inches of the tops, and at some places the embankment had to be made sightly higher. The river then commenced to fall slowly, and is now down fully four feet. From Owhiro to Greytown about four miles of the main railway line is under water, and it will probably be three days before it is passable. The Countess of Jersey managed to get through by road from Milton to Mosgiel, where she took train. The coach also gob through with the mails. An estimate of the damage cannot be made for some weeks yet. The damage in Shag Valley is also very great), and several farmers near Waikouaiti, and especially Cherry Farm, lose considerably. The body of William Swanson was found within a few yards of where he disappeared.

Christchurch, this day.

The weather was fine yesterday, but appears still unsettled. North Canterbury has escaped the heavy rains which caused floods north and south. The rivers rose slightly, but no damage is reported. The injury to crops is less than in the less fortunate localities, though much of the grain will sprout if the moist warm weather continues. On the Peninsula some harm has been done to the cocksfoot.

(BY TELEGRAPH.—SPECIAL TO THE STAR.)

Dunedin, this day, THE "GRAPHIC" ARTIST STUCK UP. ' The travelling artist of the "New Zealand Graphic" telegraphed from Waihola yesterday as follows:—"Great floods have occurred ab Obago. lam stuck up here through the railway line being flooded and washed away. There is great devastation of crops in the district caused by wind and rain. Some crops are clean washed away out of the paddocks. The extent of the railway damage cannot be know till the water subsides. I expect to reach Dunedin to-night if possible. About three miles of railway are under water between here and Dunedin. I obtained fine sketches of Manapouri and Te Anau."

I managed fco reach here by buggy after an exciting trip through the flooded country. The Taieri plains are submerged and also mile? of railway line. The Taieri River embankment has broken in two places, flooding the whole country. The crops are utterly ruined, and sheep and cattle are perishing by drowning. Boats ate rescuing people from submerged houses. A dam erected ab Otaikaia has broken do\vn,flooding the small villages. The settlers are engaged driving the remaining live stock to the highlands for safety. I have nob yet heard of any loss of human life, bub household goods are afloat in the river.