HEAVY RAINS AT THE SOUTH.

Marlborough Daily Times, Volume X, Issue 314, 12 July 1888, Page 2

HEAVY RAINS AT THE SOUTH.

INTERRUPTION OF RAILWAY COMMUNICATION,

Per Press Association. Dunedin, .July 10. Heavy rain, accompanied by a strong' north-east wind, prevailed throughout the whole day and continues this evening. The departure of the Wakatipu for the North was delayed in consequence. A slip has occurred on tho northern railway about Purakanui. Tha engine of the northern express train was thrown off tho line, but no one, it appears, was hurt. The train due at 7.40 is expected t 0; reach town by 10.30. Gangs of men were sent doivn to clear away the muck, and it is probable that the express from tho north will get through to-night, but it is by no means a certainty. So far as is known the south lines are all right. It is now raining harder than ever. Later.

Railway communication with Dunedin, both north and south, is now stopped. The southern express only came as far as Clarkesviiie, just south of Milton, and had to stop there as there was four feet of water on the line. The Outrarn branch lines are also under water, and trains have ceased running on it. A 1 efforts to. get the northern iine cleared by dark failed, anu tho railway is blocked. Arrangements Lav* beta made to send the mails by coach to TVmtati and connect with tbo train there. In town the damage done by the persistent rainfall is very slight, but as it still continues, although not so heavy, there is a se-iions danger of slips occurring as the grour 1 becomes saturated. Iu North East Valley the lower portions had about two feet or so ox water.