FLOODS IN N.S. WALES.

New Zealand Times, Volume LI, Issue 8969, 21 April 1890, Page 4

FLOODS IN N.S. WALES.

By Elkotrio Telegraph—Copyright. THE SCENE AT BOURKE. (per press association.) Sydney, April 19. A great burst in the embankments at Bourke took place at 4.30 yesterday afternoon near the Hospital Buildings, but it was not till 11 o’clock that the works finally gave way. After it was seen that the bank could not be repaired there was a scene of the wildest excitement, men on horseback galloping to and fro informing their friends. Men, women, and children could be seen rushing about the streets in the wildest confusion. This, however only lasted a short time. Everybody set to work to save property, and do what they could to get the women and children and bedding away by steamer to North Bourke. Brave fellows, despite the fact that they were liable to be swept away, made gallant efforts to block the water, and as a last resort men actually stood shoulder to shoulder, with their backs to the water right along the gap, while other shovelled up the earth as quickly as they could. This was no use, and large tarpaulins were then stretched across the break, and sandbags piled up against them, but the force of water carried them away like so much paper. Ten minutes after the first alarm had been given 200 people were on the ground, but it was seen that all efforts would be useless, and this busy, thriving town, after all the hard work and loss of time and money, was hound to ba submerged. This is the greatest flood ever known by white men in Australia. A mile to the north of where the water broke through, the embankment is carrying lift of water, and if this had gone the whole town must have been literally swept away. As it is great anxiety is felt, for even if it gives now great destruction must ensue. All the private embankments in the town are being built higher and made as secure as possible, but it is feared before the flood goes down many brick buildings will collapse. The current round the corners and in between the houses will be a terrible source of danger. The water is now up to an ordinary man’s waist all over the town. Bourke now stands in the midst of a great inland sea forty miles wide. Judging from the mass of water passing Brewarrina, higber'up the river, Bourke may expect another two or three feet. Latest reports say that early this morning the private embankments began to faii. (Received April 21. la.m.) Sydney, April 20. At Bourke the water is still very high, and many, of the buildings are collapsing.