SUNDAY'S FLOOD AT WAKEFIELD.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XLII, Issue XLII, 23 April 1907, Page 2

SUNDAY'S FLOOD AT WAKEFIELD.

A correspondent writes: On Sunday afternoon, owing to the exceptional heavy rain, the inhabitants of Wakefield experienced a most exciting and unpleasant time. The rain commenced to fall shortly after 1 oclock, and, accompanied by a strong sea wind, continued to fall until nearly 6 o clock. The Wai-iti river rose rapidly, and between 5 and 6 o'clock the township presented a curious appearance to say the least of it. It was impossible to get to the hotel withont geting up to the knees in water, and it is stated that Mr Durbridge, te proprietor, was a loser to a considerable extent owing to the water getting into the cellar. Further along Mr G. Johnson, saddler, suffered considerably, the water being kneedeep through his house, and he also lost a number of fowls and other things through the flood. The water was through Mr Robertson's blacksmith s sTiop ; and Mr H. J. Harris, baker, also was a loser, to perhaps a larger extent than anyone, the water having gone through his bakehouse. Mr Harris estimates his loss at £50. Mr Tidd's brewery was also flooded, although more water has ben seen through it ; there was over a foot of water in the brewery. To show how high the water was it may be stated thA it was within an inch of Mr Hodgson's store, a thing never before known. The water extended along the road from the Wai-iti bridge to Mrs Thomas's, and no one could pass alon" without being almost knee deep in water. The settlers near the bridge sustained more or less damage.