FLOOD AT WESTPORT.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume III, Issue 174, 25 July 1868, Page 2

FLOOD AT WESTPORT.

Our Westport files of yesterd^* gives a lengthy description of the flood which occurred thereon Wednesday last r :*—

On -that evening a violent gale blew from the north east, causing a very heavy sea to roll right home on the beach. It so happened too that this was the time of the highest spring tides, and in addition, owing to the rain which had fallen, and the quantity of melted snow that came down, a heavy fresh occurred in the river. These three combined causes occasioned a perfect flood over the North Spit, the Bea breaking right over; several hundred yards further than its wont, whilst the river at the same time overflowed, and the result was that the water covered the North Spit for a long distance from the river's mouth. A large number of small tenements stand in this part, as well as the temporary hospital, and tho effect of this

sudden incursion may be imagined, several of them being completely surrounded with water, in some places from a foot to 18 inches deep. Those who had not waded out were taken off in a canoe, and the washed-out unfortunates, at about one o'clock in the morning, waited as patiently as it was possible under the circumstances for the tide to recede, and give them once more possession of their homes.

Meanwhile those portions of the township lying further north were by no means escaping. The sdhooihouse was flooded, the extreme end of Molesworth-street was one sheet of water, Freeman-street became a lagoon, and some of the stu*veyed allotments sold quietly in Nelson, and purchased by Nelson people, about twelvemonths ago, lost a few acres of solid ground. The happy family of lions, leopards, bears, coons, &c, in Mr Foley's menagerie, were placed in anything but comfort, and those in charge had to exert themselves for the preservation of their pets. At the same time of night the bank of the Buller, along the whole length of the .Esplanade, was falling away in tons almost, and the water washed right up to the door fronts in the lower portion. At the Westport Hotel the waves dashed against the boards as against a ship's sid e, and as might be easily imagined a very pretty scene of confusion arose. To add to the general effect, the wind blew in hurricane gusts, rattling the iron on the roofs, and sending an occasional sheet or the top of a chimney flying into space ; the darkness was intense, and the rain at intervals fell in torrents.

As might be expected, the steamers in port took great care to be safely moored, and none ventured out, though announced to do so. During the whole of Thursday a fearful sea was running, and the breakers on the bar were terrific. Altogether no great harm was done, but if the storm has been proportionately severe at Hokitika and Greymouth, we may expect to hear of serious loss and damage to property.