FLOODS IN AUSTRALIA.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20595, 20 June 1930, Page 11

FLOODS IN AUSTRALIA.

(POSITION NOW CRITICAL

heavy rain continues.

ItESCUERS IN" BOATS.

THOUSANDS HOMELESS.

GREAT DAMAGE DONE.'

By Telesraph—Press Association—Copyright. (Received June 19. 11.5 p.m.) SYDNEY. June 19. Tho position in the northern flood areas Is critical and tho damage dono to property is extensive. Officials at tho weather bureau forecast Uk possibility of mors floods.

Heavy rain is still general. Serious floods arc inevitable in tho Manning and Hu'iter River areas. The damage in tho Maitland and Wvong districts is enormous. In Mait- ' land many people were picked up by rescuers in boats. Tho water was three feet over tho ground floors in somo homes. The cries of one distressed mother, who was nursing 1 a sick baby, were heard by rescuers, who broko the windows in tho house and lowered tho woman and child by means of ropes into a boat. Another case was that of a woman who ■was standing in water up to her armpits she %Vus rescued. Water is now entering the shops in the main street ai Maitland. At Patterson a great disaster is threatened. Tho Hunter River is up to a height of 36 feet. Scores of people have left their homes. At Morpeth rescuers in boats are doing glllant work. Thousands of acres of crops in these districts have been ruined. Latest reports state that, the flood poril in the middle and north coast areas is greater, than yesterday. At least 1000 families arc homeless and rain, , driven in squalls, is adding to their discomfort. Miles of country west of Maitland are under water. Tho Manning River at Tarce has broken its banks and has reached the highest point in its history. Maize-growers have lost everything and it will be years beforo the district recovers. ( North coast trains .are still marooned. Policemen and willing helpers are being kept fully occupied in rescuing families. POLITICIANS DETAINED. JJNABLE TO REACH SYDNEY. „ ADJOURNMENT OF ASSEMBLY. (Received June 19, 11.5 p.m.)6YDNEY. June 10. There was an unusual occurrence to-day in the New South Wales Lesgislative Assembly, which had to be adjourned owing to the absence of some of tho country members who were held up by floods. The Government having only a sleuder majority , was. taking no risks of defeat.