RESCUING RESIDENTS

Evening Post, Volume CV, Issue 108, 8 May 1923, Page 8

RESCUING RESIDENTS

THRILLING ADVENTURES OF THE

NIGHT.

:■■ '.: BLENHEIM, This Day. The flood was the highest on record, and came up with such suddenness that it was impossible to rescue residents in all the'low-lying areas before dark. A shortage of boats also made the rescue work Sow, and, as a result, many of the families, particularly those in the Grove road area, had to spend the night under terrible/ conditions, instances being quoted where whole families were huddled together all night on top of chests of drawers, while others stood all night on ■top of tables. However, all seemed bright and cheerful when the rescue :work was resumed this morning, and no i fatalities are reported, . though there I have-been some remarkable escapes. At Halo's .Corner, Springlands, four drays ■carrying people were overturned, one ' after' '-"/the other, . but everyone escaped, ' ■though in one case a horse was drown- ■ ied:-'".A cart was also swamped in Hut[jcliesorii'street, and the two men who ,';were; occupants put twelve hours in a' ; tree'crying for help. • ''"'■ The' town i& in an appalling state as the flood waters recede, and shopkeepers 1 are reporting heavy losses.