FLOOD PERIL INCREASES

Taranaki Daily News, 20 June 1930, Page 9

FLOOD PERIL INCREASES

1000 FAMILIES HOMELESS THRILLING N.S.W. RESCUES ENORMOUS DAMAGE DONE HEAVY RAIN STILL FALLING By Telegraph—Press Assn. —Copyright. Rec. 9.20 p.m. Sydney, June 19. The flood peril in the middle and north coast areas is greater than it was yesterday. At least 1000 families are homeless, with rain driving in squalls adding to their discomfort. Miles of country west of Maitland are under water. The Manning River at Tarec has broken its banks and has reached the highest point in history. Haize growers have lost everything and it will be years before the district recovers. North coast trains are still marooned. Police and willing helpers are being kept fully occupied rescuing families throughout the day. There was. an unusual occurrence to-day when the Legislative Assembly had to be adjourned owing to the absence of some country members who were held up by floods. The Government, having only’ a slender majority, was taking no risks of defeat.

The weather bureau forecasts the possibilities of more floods. Heavy rain is still falling generally and serious floods are inevitable in the Hunter as well as the Manning areas. The damage in the Maitland -and Wyong districts is enormous. In Maitland many people were rescued by boats. The water was three feet over the floor in some houses. The cries of one distressed mother, who was nursing her sick baby, were heard by rescuers who smashed the windows and lowered the pair by ropes into a boat. Another woman was standing in the water up to her armpits when rescued. At Patterson a great disaster threatens. The river is up 36 ft. and scores, of people have left their homes. At Morpeth boats are doing gallant work. Thousands of acres of crops in these districts 'have been ruined. - .