FLOODING OF MARK WAY’S SHOP.

Gisborne Times, Volume VI, Issue 224, 28 September 1901, Page 2

FLOODING OF MARK WAY’S SHOP.

MUCH DAMAGE DONE,

The rain last night, though welcome to farmers, proved disastrous for the business house of Mark Way. Mr Blair was walking along the footpath, and noticed water flowing from under the shop door on to the pavement. At first he could not account for the large flow, and as people gathered round there was much speculation as to tho reason. The volume of water increased, and Mr Blair went up to Mr Ford’s house and informed him of tho state of affairs. Mr Ford, having previously had sad experience, knew at once what was the matter, and quickly went down to the shop. On the door being opened and a light struck tnc proprietor had a most vexatious sight presented to him. The floor was flooded with water, and it was streaming down on the valuable drapery materials, among the articles damaged being a beautiful lot of goods just opened up for the spring and summer season. It appears that the tap in tho bathroom in the upper storey had been loft without being turned oil, and when the rain Idled the cistern there was an overflow which escaped by the tap on to the upper floor; Mark Way House being ! about the centre of tho building the water coursed to the top of his shop and thon steadily poured down on the stock below.' It was impossible last night to estimate the damage, but it is apparently very large, and a great many pieces that are not much damaged will still bo unsaleable at ordinary price, owing to their appearance. It is unfortunate for Mr Ford that the shop should have been flooded just when he had opened up heavy stocks for the new season.