AUSTRALIAN TELEGRAMS.

Bay of Plenty Times, 21 April 1890, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN TELEGRAMS.

Sydney, April Vt. The Herald welcomes the introduction of New Zealand frozen fished this market, and says tbat the local fishermen are themselves to blame for having to compete with New Zealand in future. Latest news from Bourke is to the effect that the floods 'are subsiding. SydJtey, April 18. The greatest excitement prevails here with regard to Bourke township. It is apparent that the crisis is now at hand. The water has risen to the level oj the top of the earthwork embankment. The inhabitants are fight ing the flood-waters inch by inch.' The railway line is now impassable for a distance of 7 miles. Steamers are waiting to carry the defenders to a place of safety in the event of the waters prevailing, The railway line has been cut away to save the line, and relieve the town and embankment. At the Brewarrina, where the dam burst, the town is inundated to W depth of 4 feet. Business is entirely^ suspended.^ Several brick bnild ings are collapsing owing to the foundations giving way. Sy-bney, April 19. Information received Ipti night states, that Bourke .Jfe\flsflded, and everyone is doing his best to saVe himself. Boats are being pulled through the streets, rescuing people from their homes. The night was very dark and black. The value of property at stake is estimated at one million sterling. Walgett is in a terrible condition^ and an epidemic fever is ieajred owing Wths stench arising |i^Gi©^ead animals. The* latter great Mrstfebk place at 4.30 |e|tej^|lftfjernoon n4ac the hospital, J^ujfc^not until 11 o'ciotk the eriibankment gave way. The; scene, | after it was found that the embanki ment could not be repaired,..m dne of i the wildest excitement.' Men on horseback were galloping to amd fret informing their friends, ant^iiienj women and children were rushing about the streets in great distress. The streets., are in the wildest confusion. For a mile northward of the point where the water broke through, the embankment is carrying the ©hbrmoiis 1 pressure of water Bft. high, and if this bad gone the whole of the town/must; nave been literally swept away. Great anxiety is felt, as, if the embankment gives way now, great destruction must ' I ; I I | i