POSITION AT BLENHEIM.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1190, 27 July 1911, Page 6

POSITION AT BLENHEIM.

CLEANING UP. (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) Blenheim, July 26. The flood waters are now receding, and tho town presents an extremely iilthy appearance. The water entered nearly every business place, and tho people are now busily engaged sweeping out mud ami slush.

In some of the outlying parts of tho town tho water attained a, uepth of fho or six feet, and peoplo had to be removed lrom. their homes to the higher levels. Tho northern end of the borough suffered most, in several places the protective hanks gave way, allowing the water to pour iuto tho ■ town, while in others tho flood topped tho high bnnks. A good number of' horses and cattle perished, but no loss oi human life is reported. All the telephone wires leading to tho. northern portion of the town are down, the posts being burnt through. So far as can be ascertained the flood was confined to the area round Blenheim, the farming districts escaping. . There is no news yet regarding the damage on tho railway. The Pukaka Swamp, between Tuamarina and Ivoromiko, overflowed, and caused a washout on tho line, and it is reported. several land slips also occurred. The Tailway service has been suspended indefinitely. 'Levin and Company's and. tho, Vnion Company's premises were undermined, and one of the interior walls collapsed. The water is still scouring out tho foundation, and the building is in danger of collapsing at tho northern end. Shortly after 3 o'clock lest, evening fire was discovered in Dalgety and Company's stores in Grove Road. Tho urcbolls wer« rung, but as tho fire boxes of the engine* were under water the brigade was power, less. A number of men removed the books and some office furniture'to places of safctv, but nothing elso could bo saved, and with the exception of a strong-room' (he whole of the largo, building was burned to the ground. Fortunately the wind carried the flames away. from . adjacent buildings, or the Royal Hotel would havegone too. The details of the insurances are not yet available.