FLOODS IN THE WAIKATO.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXX, Issue 9271, 5 August 1893, Page 5

FLOODS IN THE WAIKATO.

DIRECT COM MUN ATI ON SUSPENDED.

Owi.sii to the recent heavy rain-' the line in •everal places between Mercer and ifuntly i j reported un-afe for traffic. The two up trains yesterday were unable to get further than Mercer. They returned to town, taking up the running of the two ordinary trains from that place. The train from the Waikato proceeded as far a.- 1 Oiiinewai in the direction <>! Auckland when it was stopped by the platelayers, and was ordered to return to tiunt.ly and take up the running of the train to the W'aikato, thereby enabling the passengers to return to their respective homos. The line is ai.-o reported to be in a dangerous state in the Eureka swamp, about eight miles the other side of Frankton Junction. Serious damage is threatened near Oxford. Tiie protection works in the Kin'.; Country line are also showing signs of giving way. Inspection of the line is now being made with a view of determining what arrangements can bo made to-day for restoring through communication. The line between Mercer and I'okeno is iri many places under water ; but. traffic is not yet stopped. It is expected that, the water will rise still

higher. On inquiry at the Railway Station last svetiiny wo were informed by Mr. Hudson that ii is his intention to despatch all trains this morning. A telegram lias been received from Oxford stating that it is doubtful if the flown train froin there to-day will bo able to get through owing to the damage to the line near that place. Intelligence ban been received in town that a .slip has occurred on the Rotorua line, near Ngatira, and the result id that the ballast engine of Messrs. McLean and Sons, contractors for the Marnaku-Tnru-kenga section, is unable to get through to I'utciruru Junction for material or .stores.

[MY TJ'.LKUKAI'H.—OWN COKKKspOS DK.NT. J C.\ Munition, Friday. In consequence of continuous heavy rain the river is in high flood, but no damage las yet been done beyond the loss of some .'OO fencing posts.