Untitled

New Zealand Spectator and Cook's Strait Guardian, Volume XIII, Issue 1373, 29 September 1858, Page 3

Flood at the Hutt. — On Saturday last, another extensive flood took place nt the Hutt, which we regret to learn has otfeasiohed a large amount of loss to the inhabitants of the lower part of the valley. The flood was at its highest about 10 o’clock am., and began to subside in the afternoon, and was, we understand, quite as high as th’e last flood which occasioned so much damage. The principal damage has been done to the bridge, half of which has been swept away, the river cutting away a portion of its western bank, so that the half of the bridge now standing is on dry ground, and the commuriication between the valley and Wellington is interrupted. The bridge over the Silver Stream is also carried away, and several heavy slips have taken place on the road over the RimutHka. in the upper part of the valley the road has not suffered so much as on the occasion of the previous great flood. A great deal of. loss has been sustained by private individuals in the lower part of the valley, by the carrying away of fences, and the destruction of their crops ; and a very severe check will be inflicted on the inhabitants of the district by this calamitous occurrence. Fortunately the flood has not been attended by any loss of life. The body of Mrs. Burcham has been washed up by the flood ; it was found not very far from her former residence. It will be remembered that about three months ago Mrs. Burcham set out from Mr. Corbett’s on a dark night to return to her own house, and was never afterwards heard of. It was generally believed at the time that she had approached too near the river’s bank, and had unfortunately fallen into the river. The features are very slightly altered ; we understand a Coroner’s Inquest will be bel l on the body this morning, and that the funeral will take place this afternoon.