RIVERTON.

Otago Witness, Issue 1382, 25 May 1878, Page 21

RIVERTON.

The weather during the whole of the week (says the Western Star of the 18th instant) has been the moat ' continuously severe that has visited this district for many years. The spell of tolerably fine weather came to an, end on Friday, 10th instant, since which time fierce gales, accompanied alternately with hail, snow, and rain, have been the rule almost without cessation. We are happy to state that very little damage has been done ; indeed the heavy rains have flooded Jacob's river to a moat unusual degree, and as a consequence thousands of rabbits have been destroyed. It is reported that 2400 were killed on Mr Mackintosh's property in two days, Dr Hodgkinson's 1800 in one day —in fact it is scarcely possible to estimate the number destroyed between drowning and killing, as all the settlers along the river banks have killed more or less. When water floods the burrow bunny seeks higher ground, whether it be a flax bush, a Maori head, or a tussock, and as many as fifty, and sometimes one hundred, are thus found huddled together, and are easily despatched. The Longwood ranges are now covered with snow, which will not precipitate prospecting work. Intelligence reached the County Council offices on Wednesday that the main road near Otaitai Bush was covered with water, and that a deep gully bad been worn across the road, rendering traffics very dangerous. The County Inspector and County Clerk immediately proceeded to the spot, and gave the necessary instructions to have it repaired. The effect of the high tides now prevailing haß been the washing away of & considerable portion of the embankment of the harbour. The telegraph line between Riverton and Invercargill was blown down on Tuesday, and has not yet been repaired, and the usual legularity in the arrival of the mail has been interfered with. With the advent of more propitious weather, however, these little discomforts will disappear, and we will all the more enjoy our privileges when again in possession of them.