WAIKAIA.

Otago Witness, Issue 2389, 14 December 1899, Page 29

WAIKAIA.

December p.—The body of the late J. P. Hill was found on Sunday, about two miles below where he went into the river. An inquest was held on Monday before Mr Thos. Taylor, J.P., deputy coroner, and a verdict of " Found drowned" wa's returned. The funeral tcok place to-day, and was largely atended. Flood.—We had the largest flood here yesterday that has been seen in Waikaia for over 20 years. Rain commenced on Simday night about 11 o'clock, and continued without intermission until noon on Monday. Most people having stock on the low ground were able to get them off, so I do not think there will be much loss, but crops will suffei considerably, potatoes and turnips especially, and in, some •places grain crops, the ground having been washed quite away_. Roads and bridges also suffered considerably. The bridge across the Waikak at Glenary is washed away, and at Muddy Creek the river formed a fresh channel, leaving the bridge high and dry. Tie Niigget dredge, in course of construction, broke from her moor- , ings, and drifted a considerable distance dowu, and beached. Mr John Thompson, farmer, and four of his men had rathar a nasty experience. The flood-rising into the house they were living in, they thought it advisable to try to got to the township, so Mr Thompson started with three men in a spring cart and one man on horseback. They had- not proceeded far wher- the cart was upset, and all hands washed out. Luckily they were able to cling to a fence, where they were obliged to remain until Mr Jchn Tietheway brougf.it word into the township, when a ralief party was scon organised, and all the men brought safely in, not much the worse, although they weTe five or six hours in the water. - [Arrived too late for last ibsuc.—Ed.]