Omahu News.

Hastings Standard, Issue 53, 27 June 1896, Page 2

Omahu News.

{From our Special Correspondent. / ■Tune 26. We have just passed through another deluge, in fact I think we had more water in the river (Ngarurora) than when our bridge was partly swept away. Last night about 5 o'clock the river began to rise rapidly. Before then it was gradually falling as it had ceased raining for a time. It kept rising more and more until nine o'clock when it had reached its highest. The only way I can account for the rising of the river was the flood tide not allowing the water to flow away at the mouth of the river. The quantity of wafer in the river backed up all the streams running into it, which was the cause of nearly all the damage that has been done inland. lam glad to say I have hoard of no fatalities as yet, although there has been sad havoc amongst the stock at different places. Fears were at one time entertained for the safety of the Omahu bridge, and although it is damaged to a certain extent the amount cannot be ascertained at present. Many residents of Fernhill who owned acre sections on the bank of the river at night were anxious to find them in the morning. Chains of fencing on the Okawa estate which was recently erected has been bodily washed away along Avith the land on which it stood. All the newly laid metal on the road between Ngapuke and Ivawera has been washed clean off, and in places heavy slips have occurred and traffic stopped, but our worthy roadoverseer, " Old Tracey," has had his men at work clearing the way. The heaviest loser, I am sorry to say, will be the one who can least affort it. I allude to Mrs Hollis, of Koro Kipo. During the previous flood the whole of her paddocks were covered over with mud, leaving her stock without feed. After a hard stuggle she had just got the place in order when another flood came on. She must be a true British matron if she can face her adversities. The coach horses were washed off their feet while crossing the river and only saved by the pluck of young Gibbie, the driver. The river is now falling.