Effects of the Gale at Waihi.

Te Aroha News, Volume XXVII, Issue 45209, 5 April 1910, Page 3

Effects of the Gale at Waihi.

Advice from Waihi, which is still cut off from railway communication with Te Aroha, states that the dam' age done there is far and away more than on any previous occasion. It will run into many thousands of pounds. One unfortunate family was rescued from the roof of their house, where they had been exposed to the raging elements all night. Two out of the four are now confined to their beds with illness.

The occupant of another-house was awakened shortly after midnight by the persistent mewing of a cat, and stretching his hand over the bed* side, came in contact with the water. This was the first intimation that the house was flooded. Unable to procure a light, he endeavoured to secure some clothing, but in the darkness and confusion of floating and tumbled articles of furniture he was unable to put his hands on anything but a'coat, Unable to make an exit from the door he sue; ceeded in pulling down the top sash of the window and clambering out of the opening. Below he found himself out of hi* depth and swam, taking the best course he could. At this time he heard the cries of women for help. He was carried some distance by the stream, and frequently collided with floating de« bris, and narrowly escaped entanglement with wire fences, BumpiDg bis bead against a floating barrow nearly stunned him ; recovering from the knock, he finally got a foothold, and waded to solid ground. After resting for a time he went to the assistance of a neighbour, and, with difficulty succeeded in effecting the escape of a woman, who had become terrified, which, with the condition of her home, had rendered her position precarious.

Mr and Mrs Godfrey and their little girl of about three years of age were amongst the victims who had their homes in Baber Street washed out. Mr Godfrey states ' that the water rose over three feet in as many minutes in his house. It came with such suddenness that he and his wife had not time to secure any cloth* ing. He carried his wife and child from the flooded house through water up to his chest for some distance. After the water had subsided he found a wheelbarrow lodged on the roof of his house, his fowls drowned, and his home practically a wreck. A man named Stevenson, generally known as Bookau Davy, is reported missing. He lived in a whare in the vicinity of Walmsley’s bush, and has not been seen since Tuesday evening. It is surmised that he has been a victim of the flood and drowned.