The Becent Gale.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 5233, 18 April 1895, Page 1

The Becent Gale.

[Pan Press Association.! PAHIATUA, April 17.

There were, heavy floods throughout tbe district on Sunday and Monday. Bridges were washed away in every direction, the roads were blocked by large slips and homesteads and dwellings were flooded ont. Reports from the back country are ooming in slowly, but the loss of stock is considerable. The Wangaramarama settlement suffered considerably, as did also moat of the low-lying country. The weather has now cleared, and the water is going down. The construction of the Mangatainoko bridge will be delayed for some time, as all the timber has been carried away.

• WOODVILLE, April 17. The flood was the heaviest experienced since 1879. Eight inches of rain fell, of which five were recorded on Sunday. The Hon J. D. Ormond is the principal loser, 400 of his sheep having been drowned, while the number of cattle lost is not yet known. Messrs Nelson Bros, also lost a number of sheep. A good deal of damage haß been done to the Main Boad. Five thousand yards of earth fell on the gorge i railway line, and the road is also blocked. Great inconvenience ia resulting from the Ashurst bridge being washed away, as settlers are unable to get stock through the gorge. Communication with the Kameroa district is cut off owing to the Manawatn bridge being washed away. WELLINGTON, April 17. . News has been received that the ketch Kestrel, belonging to Kaiapoi, and bound from Cook Straits Sonnds to Kaiapoi with timber, is ashore on the boulder beach at the Croixelles. The vessel was sheltering from the heavy storm when her anchors parted, and she drifted on to the beach. Captain Tailor _ta_ea that the vessel is in a dangerous place, and little hopes are entertained of floating her. The Keßtrel is owned by the Kaiapoi Milling and Produce Company.