GREAT BREACH BY THE SEA.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1367, 12 May 1898, Page 28

GREAT BREACH BY THE SEA.

SUBURBS OF DUNEDIN IN DANGER,

Dunedin, May 10. The sea made a breach in the sandhills near the central battery at high tide this evening, and the water poured in on St. Kilda. Locally there has been no wind, but a heavy sea has been rolling in and the tides have been very high, with the result that where the defence authorities have permitted the sand to be removed a breach has been made. A number of men were at once set to work to try and prevent the channel widening. The tide has now turned, and the present danger to St. Kilda and South Dunedm is over. Gangs of men have been set to work to build a wall of sand-bags across to keep out the next tide about 6 a.m. Inspector Pardy has gone out with all the men he can get together. [>. is '()'■> dark at pr*»?ont to asofviam th« a.L;>..utU «.if lUittiage (Jom-. SERIOUS INROAD OP THE SEA. A BATTERY IN DANGER. Dunedin, May 10. The breach made by the sea is about two chains in width. The water made its way into a number of houses in St. Kilda, and some 10 families deemed it advisable to remove.

The sea water found its way up almost to Cargill road, and as it made its way into the main sewer in Cargill road a connection was thus established between the Ocean Beach and the harbour. In some places the water was 3ft deep. The Mayor of St. Kilda got a large number men at work to block up the breach against the morning's tide. The Permanent Artillerymen also set to work, and, asssisted by others, it is hoped that the breach may be filled. Some 300 sacks have been sent out, and these are being filled with sand and laid down.

Whether this will prove effectual depends upon whether the aea is heavy. The central battery is in considerable danger of being washed away.