THE FLOODS.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume IV, Issue 932, 2 May 1883, Page 2

THE FLOODS.

We regret to have to record that the damage done by the late heavy rains is greater then was anticipated. Shortly after four o’clock yesterday afternoon the Ashburton bridge began to show signs of instability at a point within half-way from the north end of the bridge. Just here a large body of water was flowing, and three of the piles were said to move slightly backwards and forwards, 'sj The force of the water had evidently scoured out the shingle, and the result is that the bridge has sunk fully six inches for a distance of about two chains. Placards have been posted in several places, warning people not to cross, owing to the dangerous state of the bridge, consequently the residents of Tinwald and Longbeach, etc., are very much ,inconvenienced. Considerable damage has been done to the banks of the river opposite Mr 0. C. Fook’s residence, and also some little distance above it. A tremendous body of water came into the bend of the river at this point, and has washed away a considerable quantity of valuable land belonging to Mr Fooks. The Hinds railway bridge has been slightly damaged, but it is estimated it will not take long to right it. Between Chertsey and the Rakaia, some portion of the permanent way has been damaged, and in places further north the railway has been flooded so that no through trains have as yet been able to proceed. The passengers and mails have, so far, been able to get through by means of trollies, between Ashburton and Christchurch, but it is expected through traffic will be resumed by to-morrow. [bt telegraph.] Christchurch, To-day. The rain ceased at daylight this morning, but the weather is still threatening. Further damages to the railway lines in various parts of the district are reported. The rainfall last month was 6*63in, being over three times more that for the same month for many years past. Timaru, To-day. The weather has cleared up, and the floods gone down. With the exception of the breaches in the railway lino from Hinds to Waimate, not much damage has been done. It is expected that railway communication between Christchurch and Dunedin will be completed to-morrow night.