PRECARIOUS RESCUERS

Evening Star, Issue 18257, 23 April 1923, Page 6

PRECARIOUS RESCUERS

BOATS IN CITY STREETS. Within the centre of the city the streets were fairly clear of writer this morning, except in Lower High street, whoso there wore still largo pools which interfered with traffic. From the railway station, however, to about Hanover street, the diains in Castle street had failed to cariy the water away, and expresses and otner vehicles which negotiated the passage found the water over 2ft deep. In Cumberland street, too, water of < the same depth lay from the northern side of the fire brigade station to past Hanover street. The lower end of St. Andrew street was also badly flooded. Several hundreds of residents in the locality have fared very badly, and their loss of furniture, mats, carpets, etc., will run into a largo figure. Unfortunately, too, they are the people least able to tear such a- loss, as they are nearly all workers. Houses in Harbor terrace and at the foot of Union street were also invaded, and the residents line! to beat a hastv retreat. Two families in a house at the bottom of Union street had to be removed, and a Harbor Hoard boat had to be requisitioned to secure saleegress for one party. In the other ca.-e transport was supplied by Hr Crolt (tlie storekeeper), who lent his express and horse to the police. It was a ticklish job and the animal was down twice during the journey. At the rear of the railway station there was a good deal of water lying about, hut not much damage is reported from that part. The Tvatsr nt tlio foot of Sfc. Andrew street was deep enough for boats to bo used, and several of these were brought into commission to carry people to safety. Another enterprising man was to be seen visiting some of his neighbors on an improvised raft. The conventions were forgotten for the time being, and almost everyone who was- taking part in rescue work appeared minus stockings.