DESTRUCTIVE FLOOD ON THE WAKAMARINA.

Colonist, Volume VIII, Issue 770, 10 March 1865, Page 5

DESTRUCTIVE FLOOD ON THE WAKAMARINA.

EXODUS OF THE MINERS,

This is probably the last communication your correspondent will feel called upon to forward, at least for some time to come.

The news I have to send is of a most disheartening character. Monday, the 20th February, was a day never to be forgotten by those on the ground. The day previous, and the night which followed, were marked by a downpour such as I had never experienced even in this district of rains and floods. The waters, in a few hours, has risen to a height never before known since the Wakamarina was coveted for its auriferous wealth. Every claim was flooded ; dams swept away; toms, cradles, flume boxes, &c, &c, were washed from both banks and river bed, and were carried down the stream, until meeting with some strong eddy caused by a back-wash were dashed to pieces and thrown up on either shore.

The Wakamarina bridge, a very strong structure, twenty-five feet above the ordinary river level, was swept away, and became floating debris. Men looked aghast as they witnessed the labor of weeks and months ruthlessly washed away before the eyes, and which no human daring or power could save. Diggers are not easily daunted or lightly prevented from pursuing the acquisitions of gold, but their hopes had been so often dashed, their labors thwarted, and the rich promises of gold snatched from them, that they came thoroughly disheartened at this last calamity. There was a general determination expressed to forsake the river for once and for good. Then followed the news of the Okitiki and what was being done there. Claims were deserted, parties were broken up, tents were struck, swags shouldered, and there was a complete stampede for Havelock, en route for the new goldfield.

I have little more to relate. Tbe history of the Wakamarina has been told, and in the columns of your paper, to your credit be it said, told truthfully and impartially. A warden and one policeman are all that remains of the goldfield staff. The population probably does not exceed a hundred souls. The busy hum of men is no more heai'd along the banks of the once famed Wakamarina; labor has taken itself to new fields ; trade has collapsed ; and little remains to remind us of the past.— Marlborotigh Press, March 8.