DISASTROUS FLOOD.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20300, 6 July 1929, Page 12

DISASTROUS FLOOD.

TOWNSHIP RUINED. PLIGHT OF SEDDOMVIILE. SUDDEN RUSH OF WATER. ORDEALS OF RESIDENTS. FEW BUILDINGS ESCAPE. [HY TELEGRAPH. —TRESS ASSOCIATION.] WESTPORT. Friday. One of the greatest disasters in the history of the Buller district occurred at Seddonville yesterday afternoon when the Mokihinui River broke through slips brought down by the earthquake and flooded the township. The river first started to rise shortly after two o'clock, hut it was not sufficient to cause alarm. It rose about sft. and remained at that level for some time, giving the people the impression they were safe. Then at about 4.30 o'clock it rose rapidly, and shortly after five o'clock the flood was at its peak. It was not until about 4.30 that people thought of moving out, with the result that the whole town had fo evacuate as quickly as possible, leaving all their household belongings behind them. They did not even have sufficient time to collect food. Some seized upon. a few blankets in which they spent the night on high land at the back of the settlement. Only Seven Houses Escape. Of the whole township only seven houses escaped flood water. They were those of Messrs. Tait, Philp, Beilby, Moloney, Cornwall, Bennett and Lowther. These people rendered valuable assistance by housing women and children. In all these houses children slept in rugs and on mattresses all over the floors, and women sat round fires endeavouring to keep warm. Most of the men did not sleep last night, but spent the time in the township doing what little they could to help things along. Considerable anxiety was felt for Mr. and Mrs. Coleman, two elderly people who refused to leave their house. When the flood started to rise rapidly Mrs. Coleman climbed up on to the roof and Mr. Coleman climbed up on a ladder. The flood waters rose dangerously near the top of the house, and thoso watching were afraid the building would be carried away. At the instance of Mr. O'Brien a raft was made, but it was found impossible to pilot this across the fast-running water.

Fortunately the flood waters receded before the roof of the house was reached, and as the water receded the old people camo down. As soon as it was possible people went to their assistance, but the old couple refused to leave their hom« and remained among the slush and rami until the morning. They must have spent a terrible night. Hall Lifted Across Road.

When the river began to rise rapidly several people made for Niven's Hotel and congregated in the top storey. They spent many anxious minutes as the water rose steadily, and at one stage it looked as though the water might invade the top storey. However, the highest level was about two or three feet from tho top door. During tho height of tho flood the fears of those in the hotel were amplified when they say the public hall lifted bodily and carried across the road for four or five chains. It came to rest at the back of Mr. Wimsett's store.

This store presented a miserable spectacle when the waters receded. Tho water had reached to the roof and all tho stock »vas ruined. There was hardly 3 thing that could be salvaged. Tho owner is a very heavy loser. The earthquake seriously damaged his stocks, but he had replenished them, hoping to make a fresh start. Such is the fate of those caught bv both earthquake and flood. Other storekeepers in the town are in tho same plight.

Chaos in the Houses. Tho various houses in tho township presented a heart-breaking scene. All floor coverings, bedding and other perishable goods were ruined by mud and water and tho furniture was tossed in heaps in tho corners of tho rooms. Hugo trees brought down by the flood had lodged against sides of buildings, and in some cases have moved houses off fhoir piles. In tho direct line of tho flood houses were completely submerged and fences broken. A good deal of stock in the valley has been lost. The flood was greatly intensified bv the fact that an island in tho gorge banked up the water nearly as far as tho school. It was most, fortunate the blockage did not occur there, othorwiso Iho whole of Seddonvillo would have been completely under water. Tho main slip where the river came away was at Tail's farm, about ten miles up. This caused the other four big dams in the river to give way, causing a sudden rush of water at about 4.30 p.m. at Scddonville. Relief Train Blocked.

Tho water broke through near Dawson's and came round tho back of the railway station. With the water taking this course there would have been serious loss of lifo if the flood had occurred during tho night. As it was where the main volume of water came down the people had. only a few minutes in which to make for tho high country. Immediately the news reached Westport that Seddonvillo was flooded a relief train was despatched, but it could not get past Mokihinui, owing to washouts. A number of cars went out from town to render assistance, but it was found tho road was impassable past Scott's. Thqse in tho cars got. out and w-ilked down tho railway line, some going through the tunnel, and others over tho hill.

After seeing what had occurred an effort was made to get cars through. There was four feet of water in Kynnersley's hotel at the point, but the damage was not great, as most of the furniture was removed after the earthquake. The water was lip to the windows of Mr. Hindman's house, but others escaped fairly well. Several Westport people waded through to Seddonvil'.e where it was found that the women and children were safely housed in buildings above flood level. Fortunately, although it was very cold, the night was fine.

Pood Taken to Township. Another relief train left for Seddonville this morning, taking with it food and other- necessities. The Mayor, Mr. .T. 11. Harkncss, several members of the Borough Council, and members of the relief committee also made the trip. Lack of water in the township adds to the difficulties confronting the residents. Practically all the water tanks were washed away, the only onen remaining being those at the houses up on the hill. Walls are heavily coated with silt.

Latest advices are to the effect that Peinberth's house is ruined, and that Mrs. McCullough's house has been' carried light across the road. Several families, have signified their intention of loaving Soddonville.