DEMEANOUR OF PUBLIC

Taranaki Daily News, 23 February 1935, Page 7

DEMEANOUR OF PUBLIC

TOWN STREETS CROWDED CALM SURVEY OF FLOODS NEW PLYMOUTH SCENES Treating the flood some with fitting seriousness some as particularly fullflavoured entertainment, New Plymouth flocked into the town yesterday to examine thfe havoc wrought by the torrent of water risen so suddenly and precipitated across Devon Street The heaving pavement in Devon Street, the twisted office of Weston, Ball and Grayling, the beer barrels bumping down from the brewery and the drenchfed articlfes floating off the counters in j. R. McKehrie’s store provided fen endless source of interest, but there were many places only second in interest. The swirling waters behind the State Fire Office fend the high wall banked up behind Hallenstein’s Bros.; Whites Ltd. and other buildings were close seconds in popular favour. Probably never before has New Plymouth come to town in such informal garb. The number of stockingless girls and barefooted men was reminiscent mdfe of a family party than of dignified citizens. Early in the morning there was a generous sprinkling of bronzed meh in bathing suits who flapped now and then with obvious and inexplicable enjoyment in the muddy water. Seizing one of the numerrous pumpkins which were the chief good result of the flood, a group of swimmers belonging to the Lyall Bay surf team initiated a fast, furious game of Wafer polo-foot-ball and cfetfch as catch can. Though probably seeking ultimately for bargains in the shops, very few women made any purchases in the morning. Mingled with boys and dogs fend bicycles, they drifted amicably past while the retailers sat patiently ahd waited for the flood to subside. One firm at least had a pump at work and those whose shops were little affected carried brooms. Most, however, gave up the uhequal competition and sat staring glassily at ihe rushing waters and listening negligently to the rumble of the river beneath the floors. The crowd was a genial and a selfish crowd. The general attitude Was bhe of frank enjoyment. Another view was expressed by a man who said, “Well, anyway, the damage has been worth it, because the farthers wanted rain.”