HAWKES' BAY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume IV, Issue 1120, 17 June 1867, Page 4

HAWKES' BAY.

(FBOM OtTS OWN COEEESPOJfDEITT). Napier, J"uno 10. Since 1 last wrote, another heavy flood has visited the Province, which occurred on the 4th inst. It j commenced raining on the morning of the 3rd, and continuud until the mornine of the sth. The Eastern Spit and all the lower parts ot the town were completely submerged. In some of the h"uses on the Spit tho water rose to the height of five and six inches—the sea breaking right over the bank, and filling the minds of many with a fear that a rew channel would be made; and there cm be no doubt I that had the tea been as heavy as on the occasion of | the l 'ss of the cutter Buncan Cameron in the bay, this would have been effected. The country districts j also must have suffered considerably ; but no estimate as yet be formed of the loss sustained by our a •ttlers. Great numbers of sheej.- are reported to be drowned, and large quantities of fencing—both wood and wire—have been washed away. A party of about thirty men left Napier yesterday for the purposo of prcspeoting for gold. They went off in a northorly direction, and the earnest hope of the people of Napi»r is that they will succeed in thei l- endeavours. Tho late heavy rains will doubt less render their search for the precious metal an easier one. Two elections for our Provincial Council will shortly como off—one seat is vacint in consequence of Donald McLean, Esq., having accepted the office of Superintendent, and the other in consequence of T\ V. Newton, Esq., having re-signed his seat. There can be no doubt but that Mr. McLean will be returned again. For the other seat I cannot say who will be brought forward : probably Mr. J. M. Stuart, or Mr. H. O. Robjnhns A special parade of the Napier Rifle Volunteers is announoed for Saturday afternoon next, when Lt.Uolonel Wditmore will present the prize medal to the winner of tho annual Provincial firing. Trade is still dull, but I am of opinion that the province has passed its crisis, and that very Boon a bright change will have to bo reported. The wet has entirely ceased, the last three days have been beautifully fine, but intensely cold. All the hieh hills around the town are covered with snow throughout the day. Great mortality among infants and young children. Several have died lutelv, and I know of at least a dozen who are suppoaed to be lying on their death beds.