MARLBOROUGH.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXXII, Issue XIV, 2 April 1904, Page 51

MARLBOROUGH.

Dear Bee, March 22, 190-1. The Hood, quite a modern edition of Noah's, is par excellence the whole and sole topic of our thoughts and our conversation. It came like a thief in the night, though it was broad daylight fortunately for us, so that our male defenders were able to go out and do battle with spade and shovel, strengthening weak places in the banks which surround Blenheim and stopping up leakages. Grove-road suffered considerably, the water being into the houses and running out of the windows before people had time io remove their furniture and carpets to a higher level upstairs. Out Tuamarina way, and Spring Creek, cattle and sheep were washed away with the rollers of flood water which suddenly swept over the low grounds. Fields of corn and potatoes have probably gone over the bar out to sea. One

thousand sheep sent down to feed at the Wairu pah were all «wept away, and the Maoris nau a very narrow escape, having to get on to the roofs of their houses to wait for boats. As yet the damage in Blenheim and its surroundings is not estimated, but the residents are a lighthearted people, and make the best of a bad business. They were planted iu a swamp between three rivers by some who wanted to make money out of a previous bargain. They have turned the swamp into a thriving township, banked the rivers to keep them from turning their natural courses round the town into unnatural courses through it, and so when a little water does percolate through they do not sit down to grieve over it. The country, and roads, and bridges suffered far more than the town. The Canvasstown bridge, over the Wakamarina River, being destroyed, also that much admired structure the Pelorus bridge, where tourists liked to stand and gaze in wonder at the beauties of the fern-laden rocky banks, and the monster boulders below, with a peep up and down of densest foliage, overhanging silent pools or miniature cascades. Mr Brownlee has lost his tram-line and bridges to the heavily timbered Pelorus Valley, but perhaps the greatest loss of ail was the drowning of the driver of the Nelson coach, who left Blenheim iu the early hours of .Saturday morning, and two of iiis horses. At all times he was a careful driver, and never risked going the usual route when the rivers were in flood, even a small one. so on this occasion he took the usually safe way, and started to go round by Tuamarina, and along the North Bank. He had crossed the Wairau River safely over the ferry bridge, but the coach capsized in a hole further on, and being encumbered with his oilskin, leggings, and gloves, he was only able to swim a short distance, and sank out of sight of some settlers who were trying to direct him. Two young ladies waded in above their waists to give the alarm by calling Mr Barr, who telephoned to Blenheim for the police. Two of the unfortunate horses were rescued alive from their perilous position. Much sorrow is felt for the loss of the driver.

St. Patrick's Day was a very successful one. The Hibernian Society held their annual sports and their annual concert. Both went off well. A good many for whom a whiff of sea air has magnetic attractions, as they go down to Picton on every conceivable occasion; went there to celebrate St. Patrick's Day also. Steam launches galore went off laden with picnic parties, some to the Grove, some to Torea, and some to Double Bay, returning in the evening laden with spoils from bush, beach, and sea.

Picton folk are highly elated at the finding of limestone, and the establishment almost at their doors of cement works by the Wellington Cement Company nt the Elevation, close by the railway line. The land belongs to Mr Cragg, a go-ahead resident of Picton, who has spent large sums in prospecting for coal, when he came across the limestone, etc., and deserves to reap the reward of his faith.

A picnic held last Thursday at Bottly's Bay, Queen Charlotte Sound,

was a most enjoyable one. Among those at it were Dr. and Mrs Redman, Mr and Mrs Le Cocq, Mr and Mrs Stow, Mrs and Miss Allen, Mrs Riddell, Mrs Smith, Mr and Mrs C. Philpotts, Misses Speed, Greensill, Philpotts, and Morgan.

MIRANDA.