FLOODS EN AUSTRALIA.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLI, Issue 8537, 18 March 1908, Page 5

FLOODS EN AUSTRALIA.

THE COUNTRY UNDER WATER, (Bv Electric TeleffraDh^-Cooyright.) Per Press Association. (Received March 18th, 9.20 a.m.) SYDNEY, March 18. The arrival of the water from above the town caused a renewal of the flood at Gunnedah. Residents in low-lying streets were compelled to leave their houses, while many residents in the hamlets along the river are seeking refuge in the town. Tho church is used to accommodate the homeless. The water extends as far as the eye can reach, and the flood is the biggest since 1864. In some places the water is up to tho eaves of tho houses, arid flood-boats are out. Four hundred sheep were drowned on the common, and it is feared the losses of crops and stock are exceedingly heavy. Narrabri reports that the river is again rising, causing much anxiety. Numbers of stock are surrounded by water. A selector at Weewaa saved 400 sheep by dismantling his stockyards and building a i aft whereon he placed the sheep. The damage by floods in the Tamworth district is estimated at £40.000. SYDNEY, March 18. Telegraphic communication with Queensland is still interrupted by floods, and there is no immediate prospect of restoration. Messages for Brisbane are being cabled via New Zealand. Brisbane files to hand show that the flood in tho Brisbane river submerged wide suburban areas. The drowning of Constable Murtagh was surrounded by pathetic circumstances. His companions did not give up thoir attempts at rescue until completely exhausted. (Received March 18th, 12.45 a.m.) SYDNEY. ' March 18. The big flood in the Narrabri rive: is still rising, and the suburbs and all the surrounding country are submerged. The people are taking refuge in the highlands. !