FLOODS IN THE NORTH ISLAND.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2164, 17 February 1891, Page 4

FLOODS IN THE NORTH ISLAND.

Wanganui, February 13. The rain which commenced falling on Thursday night continued with great violence until noon to-day, the total fall here up to 4 p m. being 2 59 inches for thirty-one hours. The river commenced to rise rapidly bn Thursday night, and in the lower portion of the town at XL a.m. yesterday flooded the basements of hotels and business places. The current in the river was very strong and the water, very thick, with a strong sulphurous smell. Timber of all kinds was brought down from the upper parts of the river, besides Maori canoes, sheep, cattle, and ■furniture of all kinds. Several grain stacks were also washed down opposite the town. The Harbor Board’s punts and dredge were washed out to sea. The bridge at Nguakdngaro, about seven miles from town, was washed away, and the roads on each side of the river greatly damaged. 'J he water continued to rise until 2 30 p.m., and extended all along Taupo Quay and the railway station, also up the avenue for |wo chains. Boats and canoes were used in the streets, * 'lhe business stocks of Paul and Co. and Thane and Co. had to be removed, and were fortunately saved. ') he water rose to within four feet of the decking of; Jthe bridge and came over the wharf, fears being held at one; time for the safety of the bridge' owing to punts and heavy timber craihiug against ic. The bridge, however, stood firm and buffered no harm Owing to the line being flooded between this and Marten the south train did not arrive, and the passengers and mails were brought on by a coach provided by the Railway Department. 5 The passengers going south left town at 3 o’clock by coach for Martbn, and arrived there in time to catch the train for Palmerston. The water is now receding, and there are signs that the worst js over. Wellington, February 14 It is still raining lightly with no signs of charing off. The Manawatu river is in high flood, and last night was still rising. Very little damage is reported from the Masterton district. Ibe Forty Mile Bush rivers are all in high flood, and traffic is sus pended in several places. Slips in the Gorge have not injured the railway line, but as delay will be made in clearing the debris, the opening of the line is indefinitely postponed. Npiy Plymouth, February 14, It has bpen Fajnjng all uight aad tfle rivers are very high, A}l the bridges in this district are reported safe, though quantities of flrift wood are very heaped against tbem. On Thursday night several small boats from the rivers were washed ouc to sea, tf}o beach for miles, is strewn wjth timber, logs, etp , br°9g ht down by the freshen-