THE FLOODS.

Tuapeka Times, Volume XXIV, Issue 1869, 10 February 1892, Page 3

THE FLOODS.

Despite all the eccentricities of the climate with which a lengthened sojourn in this quarter of the colony makes one familiar, there is a natural diffidence in associating the present season of the year with a flood that might do honour to an Arctic winter in one of its most savage and inhospitable moods. But after all, after the experiences of the last few years, one need hardly be surprised at anything the weather may attempt. The frail landmarks that are intended fco render the identity of the seasons distinguishable in this favoured region are being gradually obliterated; and who knows but in time we may see the old order of things reversed or, what is still more probable, the seasons so inextricably mixed that their identification may become a matter of speculation, to be determined only by careful sampling and analysis. At prosent, weather predictions are every bit as delusive as the confidences of the people who put their moneyintogoldmines,orofthosesporting amateurs who put their money on the favourite, or of the still more confiding people who look for unclouded and unending happiness in matrimony. On Saturday morning lagt, so resplendent was the weather, one in a moment of weakness might be almost tempted to take out a policy of insurance on the day. But towards evening the sun suddenly disappeared, hid itself behind a huge bank of gathering clouds, an ominous wind began to pipe in a melancholy fashion through the trees, and shortly after ten o'clock the rain descended. It fell steadily all through the night and right on through Sunday, and again far

into the night. The effects were not so visible around Lawrence as they were at Waitahuna, and still more so farther north. Probably thss may be owing to the formation of the country around here and the natural facilities provided for the drainage and prompt disappearance of the water. At Waitahuna the people experienced the delights of a regular flood. From the railway bridge to the fellmongery there was a large sheet of water ; and for a long distance the line of ballast was washed away, and traffio, in consequence, became impossible. There must have been a depth of from 18in to 2ft of water in the two local hotels ; a great deal of damage was done to furniture, and much inconvenience and discomfort were experienced. The water commenced to rise about 11 o'clock on Sunday night, and continued to advance until one o'clock, and did not commence to fall until about eight o'clock in the morning, after which time it rapidly went down. The whole of the flat was under water, many of the houses were J inundated, and many strange devices were resorted toby the occupants to find refuge and rest and escape from the encroaching waters. The displacement of the ballast along the line compelled the train on Monday to come to a halt at Waitahuna, and the beleagured passengers, unable to reach the hotels through the seething waters, had to remain in the carriages, but were fortunate in finding a very generous host in the local stationmaster, and in the evening returned to Lawrence.

At Clarkesville, owing to the water, which was between 2ft and 3ft deep on Monday, the south train from Invercargill was stuck up, while at Milton the same fate awaited the train coming from the opposite direction. From Milton, the mails on Monday were brought by road to Lawrence; and yesterday the train was able to go as far as "Wai hola from here. Beyond that point, however, it could no 1 ; go,as the flat country .including the railway line, running right into the Taieri, was completely submerged. From Waihola toMosgiel, and vice versa, passengers had to be taken by coach, or, at lease, the experiment was attempted yesterday, though it is very much open to question whether the road was passable even for coaches.

Yesterday the Lawrence stationmaster received instructions from Dunedin not to take any perishable goods or live stock until further advised.

The crops around this district have suffered serious damage, many splendid crops having been beaten completely flat to the ground. But the damage is even much greater in districts further north and south, and many farmers who confidently looked forward to a rich harvest, are now, at the last moment as it were, subjected to grievous disappointment and loss.

Our Waipori correspondent says the flood in the river on Monday was the heaviest that has been seen in that district for the past twenty years. ]STo serious damage to mining property is reported. The Waipori Alluvial Gold Dredging Co.'s No, 1 dredge, owing to the side-lines snapping, was carried down stream for fully a quarter of a mile. Mr Eesta, however, succeeded in bringing her back to her old moorings at an early hour yesterday morning. She has sustained no damage.