THE SOUTHERN FLOODS

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 3097, 30 May 1917, Page 6

THE SOUTHERN FLOODS

LARGE AREA UNDER WATER

RAILWAY SERVICES STILL INTERRUPTED By Telegraph—Press AssocinHlm. Diinedin, May 21). 'The weather cleared early tins morning, and has been splendid since. Adviced from East 'J'aieri state that the wilier fell rapidly, but the lower portion of the plain is as had as ever. Several residents of Moniona hail to vacate their houses last night. The Outrnra railway lino is still under water, and there is not likely to be any traffic for some days. The river is falling at Balcliitba, but the lower part of. the town is still flooded, and much damaste has been done. The Railway Department will run trains to Sfosjjiei to-morrow, but passengers for further south will have to' proceed by road to Titri. n .distance of 15 miles, where there will be a connecting train. The Lawrence branch line is clear, but the Tapanui and Glenham branches will probably be Worked for some days. The road between Henley station and the Main South Dond is four feet under water to-ni°lit. The Kaitangata private line is badly damaged. CONDITIONS AT GORE IMPROVING Gore, May :!9. The flood waters receded considerably: last night. Although there was water in many shops to the depth of 16in., the goods were removed, and little damage was done. Some of the shops aro now clear, but in others there is water to the depth of eight inches. Several families were accommodated by the flood-free public last night. Business lias been partially resumed. Many shop floors are covered with silt, and cleaning operations aro in progress. ' It is feared that there have been losses of slock in the country adjacent to the river. There is bright sunshine to-day. i Isater. The Mataura. Diver is still high, but is falling. The water in the town streets is receding, though it i< still about eight inches deep in the lower-lying cross streets. It is expected to drain away by tho morning. Reports from Garston and the head waters of the Mataurn. state that ■tho river is falling. But little damage has teen done to the town of Matanra. It is anticipated that the elec-. trie, current will be restored ou Saturday. Amongst various etook losses, Messrs. Horrell Bros., of Mandcville, lost ■100 sheep.