THE FLOOD.

Clutha Leader, Volume V, Issue 220, 27 September 1878, Page 5

THE FLOOD.

From the reports that reached Balclutha on Wednesday eveuing hs to the melting of snow and the rapid ris& of the various tributaries of the Clutha up country, it was at once anticipated that in all likelihood a serious flood would be the result here the following morning. Accordingly many of the inhabitants were early astir yesterday to ascertain the state of the river, it was then found to be almost level with the banks in most: places, and as it continued to rise rapidly it was quite evident that the worst anticipations were very shortly to be realised. Shortly after the telegraph office opened telegrams were received from Roxburgh, Clyde, &c, that the river was still rising at these places. A gang o? voluuteers set to work to raise embankments at the lower ends of Charlotte nnd Renfrew-streets, and continued till 11 o'clock, when tho river got the mastery and flowed in upon the lower end of Clyde-street. The post-office was speedily surrounded, and after half-past 11 o'clock it could only be approached on horseback. About noou the water had reached tho level of Charlotteatreet above Mr Cramond's property. It speedily commenced to overflow, and the water finding its way to the mam street that thorough! are was at oDce converted into a continuous waterchannel. The water poured down John, Elizabeth, Gordon, Barr, aud other streets, and when, darkness set in last night not a fourth of the area of the township was dry. The remainder was submerged to a depth of from six inches to three feet, the street in front of the post-office being the deepest part. We should say thab over fully three-fourths of the township was covered to an average depth of eighteen inches of water. We may say that the only portion of the township not under water was below Ren-frew-street, between Paisley-street and the railway. There were of course some dry spots in other parts, but as a rule it was all under water. So soon as the streets were covered hovses, omnibusses, buggies, drays, &c, were had in requisition for purposes of locomotion, but many foot-passengers splashed along seemingly quite pleased in the unwonted and uncomfortable element. The youngsters seemed particularly delighted, and heartily embraced the favourable opportunity for drenching each other with liquid snow. As the afternoon wore on, and as the reports from up cquufcry continued to be 'River still rising," a good many deemed ifc prudent to remove their families out of the township, or at least to more safe quarters. Furniture rind household goods were piled upon tables, beds, &c, the doors were locked, and the buildings left to their fate. In the removal of wives and families, furniture, horses, cows, pigs, &c, under so disadvantageous circumstances numerous ludicrous scenes were witnessed, aud considerable merriment prevailed. To depiob such, however, in the present issue would be inopportune, and a sensational description we leave to others. Altl.ou.jli the inhabitants throughout the day maintaiued a cheerful deposition apparently determined to submit to their misfortunes with the best grace possible, it certainly was pitiable to witness the damage being occasioned In soino houses the water rose to a uunsid-rible depth, while gardens which had only recently been dressed, and where in the morning flowers and plants were in rich luxuriance, in the evening they were ruinedsin, ply reservoirs of water. It is gratifying to know that so far as tho township is concerned, no . personal accidents or uarrovv escapes have occurred so far as we have heard. TJp lo the hour of going to press the river still continued slowly to rise, and whac may be the story to tell of to-day remains to be seen. In consequence of many of the roads bein^> flooded, aud the shortness of the time, it w;is impossible to procure full reports from the country districts. That the flood will, in man v cases, prove disastrous is. however, beyond -a doubt. Viewing Inch Clutha from an adjoining hill, a large portion presented the appearance of an almost unbroken expanse of water. In many places the river banks could not be traced. We believe much of the embankments in course of erection by the Board of Conservators for the island have been washed away, while other portions ar.t submerged. The greater part of the seed had been got in, and numbers of settlers had just invested in stock to feed on the grass which was springing so luxuriantly. The fields are ruined for this season, and the stock,- we fear, drowned. Kaitangata was all right throughout the day, but towards dusk in the evening the river commenced to overflow itg banks in every direction. The lakes also were quite filled with the water from the river, and thus, in every probability, the township this morning is submerged and much damage done. Many families loft their houses last '.night and betook themselves to places of safety. Up till night, the township of Stirling and the adjoining flat was dry, thanks to tij« foresight of the inhabitants who recently subscribed and erected a substantial embankment along, the rivw bank at the head of Mr Inglis's property. This embankment stood the test, and prevented a large amount of <3anaj;e that would otherwise have been occasioned. We may mention that an immense quantity of debris, including horses, cattle, aheep, miles of fluming, firewood, &c, &c, came down the river yesterday . Before going to press we dispatched a messenger to find out how matters were progressing in Balcluthk. He went along the main street until his horse got beyond its depth. After swimming some distance he returned with the report — water everywhere.