MEN DROWNED IN ATTEMPT TO CROSS FLOODED RIVER

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23219, 3 April 1950, Page 7

MEN DROWNED IN ATTEMPT TO CROSS FLOODED RIVER

(N.Z.P.A. —F.euter—Copyright.) (11.30 a.m.) SYDNEY, April 3. The flood toll rose to four when two men attempting to cross the flooded Bell River at Wellington were drowned. Townspeople pleaded with them not to cross, but when they insisted on climbing the barricade and plunging into the 500yds, wide stream, motorists turned headlights on the water for them.

They were thought to have' crossed safely, but when they did not arrive at their homes a search was organised. One body has been recovered.

Floodwaters surging down from the upper reaches of the Lachlan and Macquarie Rivers now threaten towns in central New South Wales with the worst flooding in their history. Canowindra, Dubbo, Goolagong, Wellington, Manildra, Forbes. Cowra and Eugowra are in danger with the water level stiil rising. The police made urgent calls to residents in low-lying areas, warning them of the danger. Meanwhile the Murrumbidgee, Nepean and southern New South Wales rivers have renewed their threats. The water is seven feet over the spillway at the Wyangala Dam and the police expect the levels to reach greater heights than in the record disastrous flood in 1918. In new flooding thousands of acres of lucerne, orchards and vegetable crops have been destroyed. The Bell River, which joins the Macquarie at Wellington and which is normally a trickle is now a mile wide in some places and many Wellington residents are making for higher ground. Roads and Bridges Under Water

On the central tablelands Glendavis is cut off by road from Lithgow and the bridge across the Capertee River is awash. Several main roads in the Lithgow-Bathurst district are under water.

On the Murrumbidgee River, near Carrathool, about 30 square miles on either side of the river is under water.

Many stations are marooned and station hands are manning the levee banks. Other graziers immobilised by floods are spending their time killing rabbits which are clustering thickly on half-submerged trees, logs and fences. The Burragorang Valley is completely cut off by the swollen Woollondilly River and many holiday-makers are still cut off there.

Vegetable and fruit growers of New South Wales say that the floods and rains have caused the worst season on record and that grave losses suffered would result in higher prices, directly affecting the cost of living.