STORMS IN THE NORTH.

Press, Volume LIII, Issue 15832, 22 February 1917, Page 6

STORMS IN THE NORTH.

SERIOUS FLOODS AT THAMES, TOWN INUNDATED. (press association telegram.) THAMES, February 21. Early this morning the Thames wa| visited by xlie most disastrous flood ever experienced here. There was a heavy storm of ■wind and rain during the night, and at an early hour a small bridge over the Karaka creek, above the town, wa» washed away. It was carried downstream, and blocked the crcek, where the cemented portion of the bank begins. The result was that the creek overflowed its banks, and deluged tho town, depositing logs, debris, and silt everywhere. Gardens wcro ruined and houses invaded. Many peojflo escaped from their houses, leaving all the contents behind. Much damage was dono in the shops which were invaded. Every street was a lake. Business was suspended. Tho town was isolated, telcgraphio communication being cut off. When the obstruction was removed, tho crock water left tho streets, which are non- several inches deep in silt. Tho railway lino has been washed out in many places, causing a stoppage of traffic. CYCLONE AT AUCKLAND.. TORRENTIAL RAIN. (press association telegram.) AUCKLAND, Fobruary 21. Tho threatened cyclonic storm struck Auckland about nine o'clock last night,' and for twelve hours tho wind blow with terrific force, and torrential rain feil. The fall for 24 hours to 9 a.m. was 2.58 inches, making 10.95 inchca for tho month to date. Considerable damage was done ashore and afloat, but ill no caso involving heavy loss. Tele« graph, telepliohc, and railway lines were seriously interfered with, and this caused interruption of tho services both North and South. DAMAGE TO MOSQUITO FLEET. (PRESS ASSOCIATION TELEGRAM.) AUCKLAND, February 21. In the height of the gale, at 5.30 this morning, n tree fell on a house in tho. city, smashing a portion of the roof. Several of the inmatee, who were in bed, had a narrow escape. Pari of the iron Aras criishod. and a portion of tho houso was rendered uninhabitable;. Tho damage to the yachts in the harbour is estimated at £1000. ( Small trading vessels suffered to great extent. J. J. Craig, Ltd., lost two vessels, and another was badly damaged. The scow Rimu and the cutter Stag, which went ashore at Waiheke, became total wrecks. Their combined valued was £1000. The coastal service is disorganised.-*'^