THE THAMES FLOODS

Otago Witness, Issue 3853, 17 January 1928, Page 38

THE THAMES FLOODS

INQUEST ON THE VICTIMS.

TWO VITAL QUESTIONS. RUGBY, January 10. The coroner for the Westminster district of London to-day opened the inquest on 10 persons who lost their lives in Westminster through the Thames floods. # After evidence of identification had been given, the coroner adjourned the inquest until January 14, when he said that two vital questions would be investigated. These were—first, why the Embankment wall opposite the Tale gallery was unabl e to withstand the pressure of the water; and, secondly,’why the wall at the south-* west end of Lambeth bridge was allowed tq remain for so long in an inadequate condition in view of the possibility of a catastrophe. A jury, of Westminster citizens would hear the evidence on these matters, and he hoped to receive assistance and reports from the local authorities concerned.

STORY OF GIRLS’ HEROISM

RUGBY, January 11.

At the Coroner’s Court at Fulham today a remarkable story was told how Miss Madge Franckeiss, a girl of 20, rescued her aunt and boy cousin from a basement flat which was flooded by the Thames last Friday night. An inquest was being held on her two girl cousins, whom she was unable to save, despite gallant efforts. It was related how Miss Franckeiss awoke to find her bedroom deep in water, and she aroused her relatives. She found her way of escape was by a window, and, getting out of it, she swam about in the area. The occupant of the flat above let down a sheet, and urged Miss Franckeiss to allow herself to be pulled up. She, however, declined, and dived back through the window at great risk into the flooded flat to find her relatives. She brought out her boy cousin, who was hauled up by the sheet, and then, swimming back. into the flat, she brought out her aunt, Mrs Watson, who, in an exhausted condition, was hauled up. Miss Franckeiss only gave up her attempts at rescue and consented to be drawn up when she was unable to swim' any longer. Her legs and feet were so badly cut that she was taken to hospital. The Coroner congratulated Miss Franckeiss highly on her gallant conduct and superb heroism, and it was announced that a testimonial fund had been opened by the Mayor of Fulham.

TO HELP THE HOMELESS.

LONDON. January 11. The extent to which the flood havoc has gripped the heart of the country is revealed in the spontaneous response 'o the appeals for the funds. The total has reached £28,000 in less than four days,. w hieh is beyond the best, expecta tions of the organisers, and contributions are still pouring in from the highest -o the lowest. Clothing is arriving from all parts of England, and gifts of furniture of all kinds are pouring in. Big firms are sending regular supplies of food, and thousands of offers of accommodation for homeless people have been received.

PREVENTING A RECURRENCE.

CONFERENCE TO BE HELD. LONDON, Januarv 12. After personal inquiries in the London flood area, Mr-Baldwin has summoned a conference of Government departments and local authoriites for the 16th inst. to discuss measures for preventing a recurrence of the disaster.

EX-SERVICE SUFFERERS.

GRANT FROM BRITISH LEGION. RUGBY, January 13. The British Legion lias set aside £lO,OOO for the relief of ex-service sufferers from the London floods. . The Lord Mayor’s fund amounts to ‘’.10.000 and the Mayor of Westminster’s Fund to over £lB,OOO.