FLOOD PERILS IN N.S.W.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXV, Issue 18598, 20 June 1930, Page 9

FLOOD PERILS IN N.S.W.

Wide Area Inundated. THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE HOMELESS. (United Pres* Association- By Mlectrla Tel ezraph—Cop vrlstht.) (Received June 19, 9.30 p.m.) SYDNEY, June 19. The flood peril in the middle and north-coast areas is greater than yesterday. At least a thousand families are homeless, with rain driving in squalls and adding to their discomfort. Miles of country, West of Maitland, are under water. The Manning River at Taree has broken its banks, and has reached the highest point in history. Maize growers have lost everything and it will be years before the district recovers. North coast trains are still marooned. The 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. SITUATION BECOMES CRITICAL. MORE FLOODS FORECASTED. r United Press Association— By Klsctrls Telegraph—Copyright.) SYDNEY, June 19. Although the position in northern flood areas is critical, and the property damage is extensive, the Weather Bureau forecasts the possibility of more floods. Heavy rain is still falling generally. Serious floods are inevitable in the Manning and Hunter areas. The damage in the Maitland and Wyong districts is enormous. In Maitland many people were rescued by flood boats. Water was 3ft. deep over the floor in some homes. The cries of one distressed mother, who was nursing a sick baby, were heard by rescuers, who smashed the windows and lowered the pair by ropes into a boat'. Another case was that of a woman standing in the water up to her armpits when rescued. The water is now entering the shops in the main street at Maitland.

At Patterson a great disaster threatens. The river is up 36 feet. Scores of people have left their homes. At Morpeth flood boats are doing gallant work. Thousands of acres of crops in these districts have been ruined.