DREADFUL FLOODS IN NEW SOUTH WALES.

Taranaki Herald, Volume XXXIX, Issue 8758, 21 April 1890, Page 3

DREADFUL FLOODS IN NEW SOUTH WALES.

BOUIIKE UNDER WATER.

SUPREME COURT HELD UNDER DIFFICULTIES.

DESERTION OF THE DISTRICT.

The towns of Bourke and Walgott, which have been inundated by tho Jlood, arc on the Darling- Rivor, in New South Wulos, and several huudred miles inland, in a north-west direction. They avo linked with Sydney by the Great Western Railway, which has taken mauy years to form, being 503 miles in length. Tho railway was made because the River Darling was only navigable at certain times, and in times of drought the towns were reduced to famine, stores being so scarce and transit so difficult. The railway put an end to all such contingencies, and the 1 Bourke people were brought within a day's journey of the metropolis. The traffic from Bourke is chiefly of a pastoral nature, wool being sent away from there in great quantities, the town being the entrepot for a large pastoral district that stretches though the heart of Australia away far mirth to Queensland. Our latest dates from Sydney are to April 10th, anil the papers give the following description of the floods there. j TOWN OF BOURKE FLOODED. The Hood waters from Roma, Surat, and Yuelbah are expected to reach the Bar won about the end of the weok. The river at Bourke is now (April 10) 38ffc 10id, and ! rising slowly. 80 points of rain fell last j night. The Council will make strenuous efforts for the completion of the embaukinent, and are calling for tenders i'or 18 chains extra to-day. About a mile of embankment is being erected along the river frontage, faced with galvanised iron. The Council has granted permission to all the residents to bank their premises iv, many not having faith in the outer embankment. The pipes in Meekstreet sprang a leak, and the water from tho river inundated the low-lying portions. A fall of 80 points on Wednesday night caused a large quantity of water to lie about the approaches to the North Bourke Bridge, which are covered by some feet. Traffic is entirely suspended. The only means of communication with the northwest side of the river is by steamer to Xorth^ Bourke. It is fully expected that the river here will begin to rise at the rate of sin. or Gin. a day about Sunday next (April 13), and probably a height of 42ft. will be reached. The greatest anxiety and alarm prevail : even those who laughed at the idea of floods a short time ago are now most anxious. Most of the women and children clear out this week. The river is now sft. below the highest previous flood, namely 1864 time, but it is difficult to say, as very scant information is to hand as to the amount of water likely to come down the Culgo and Bokhara rivers. The Mayor and aldermen are working strenuously, and are endeavouring to keep the men going at the embankments, sometimes Avorking as late as midnight. Arrangements are being completed ■whereby constant supervision will be exercised over the embankment day and night. Surat reports the river 12ft. over the bridge ; St. George 6in. in the houses. JUDGE AND PRISONERS CONVEYED IN A BOAT. Judge Bennet opened the Court at Walgett on Wednesday, April 9th, in the most trying circumstances, there being 70 people sheltered in the courthouse. His Honor and the officiaals were conveyed in a boat by the police from the balcony of the hotel to the court. When the Court ■\Tfis opened, tho l>ench and tho jury boxes were crammed with distressed women and children, drenched with water. The plight seemed most pitiful, the Judge sitting in their midst. The prisoners were conveyed in a boat from the gaol to the court. Two pleaded guilty, and were sentenced. The j«dge then adjourned the Court, as he was doing all he could to relieve the people. About 200 have been removed by the police in boats, and they are now existing in a dreadful state of misery. The police boats are going day and night.