THE FLOODS IN VICTORIA.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume VII, Issue 1633, 11 August 1887, Page 2

THE FLOODS IN VICTORIA.

Wiring on 2nd last., the Shepparton oorreapohdent of the . flTelegraph " repotted:—The Goulbburne river this morning bad a registered height of 3 Ut. above summer level— the highest recorded during the last six years, being within sffe ot the 1870 flood marks Last night the water was just level with the banks. Daring the night the - river rose very rapidly, and this morning had completely submerged the oountry between Bhepp>rton end Mooroopna. Traffic was completely stopped. N. t Darby, cordial manufacturer, when returning home from Mooroopna last night ha I the misfortune to. break his traceß when half way across." THif horaea were extrloated and brocght home, leaving the vehicle standing In 3ft of water. It was intended to this morning and fetch the-' vehiole home. Seeing the riv r bo high he obtained a boat, and after 'some diffionlty reaphed the spot, and found the vehicle safe, -but almost submerged, about twelve Inches showing above the water. On his tray back, when near the Broken river, he reaoo^d a swagman from a perilous position. The man stated that, when going to sleep last night, the water was about Gin below the river bank.' Early this morning he woke up and found himself In the waiter, with all hope of completely cut off; and bat for the timely assistance of Mr Darby, ke belives he -«o m ld < ,ha.ve~i>««talnly perished from exhatittlon. This "moTuiQg & onmber of cattle that bad^tantfyba^^saSfo^ j n tha open conutt/^bsfwWifSheppaiion %*£ Mooroopna were observed making toward! Sheppaitoa bridge, aiJtk aon[ *9 fears were entertained that they wotfldgek Into the river, whioh is at presenvSfidjfiaable, After a tiraa; and apparently with don-" — siderable difficulty, owing to the numerous creeks end swamps through whioh the current 1b rushing with great forca, they all reached the bridge safely. Several men are m attendance day and night at Shepparton bridge, which is closed, keeping the piles clear of debris, which during the night came down In large qiartitfea. This morning, about daylight, the watchman at the bridge heard plantive cries proceeding from some distance down ; the rlver 4 and at once repotted the matter to . the police. Sergeant Graham and Constable filattery immediately obtained a boat, and together with Messrs Bryant and Shiel, brewers, went t) the resoue. Nearing the spot from where the cries were issuing, six awagman were observed perched with their belongings upon some logs, m no little amount of danger, owing to othor logs that were floating about. They stated that when sitting down to rest last night they thought they were safe, but the river rising rapidly, they were unable to escape, and had to seek refuge bb described. It was reported to the police this morning that two Chinese gardeners at Broken, river had taken refuge m treee. The police prooeeded to the spot and found the Celestials as described, m an awfully perilous con T dition, having been there since 2 a.m. When rescued they were m a very exhausted state. Their garden is about 6ft under wator, the top of a tilted cart and house being the only mark to show were the garden is. A man named Reynolds brought information at noon to-day that ■"- two selectors of Pine Lodge, nine miles From Shepparton, on Broken river, were Burrounded by the floods, and when last seen were on the top of a chimney. Assistance m the shape of a boat wsb immediately sent. The river is still rising, and this evening registered 32ct 6in above summer level, having risen 18ln during the day. Fortunately, no loss of life is reported, but considerable damage is done to property. The weather to-day and yesterday has been beautifully fine. Tho river will have to rise Bft before any damage is done iv the town.