SEVERE FLOODS IN THE NORTH

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 157, 29 March 1920, Page 4

SEVERE FLOODS IN THE NORTH

SEVERAL LIYES LOST ENORMOUS DAMAGE TO ROADS AND BRIDGES 'By TcleEriiDh—Prcsß Association. Auckland, March S3. Loss of life and groat damage are reported ii'om North Auckland, ns a result of Hoods. Telegraphing last night, the "Herald's" Papuroa correspondent stated that a drowning disaster had occurred at the railway works on the Main Trunk line, in Upper Paparoa Valley. A worker named Mathews was camped near the river with his wife nud family, and the (lood suddenly rose ami swept away the camp. The wife and three children were: drowned. Mathews succeeded in rescuing tho other members of the family. Another.man saved himself by climbing n tree, and was rescued after six hours. Another man is still missing. Communication with Paparoa by vehicle is .practically blocked by damaged bridges and landslides. Several biddings in the township were flooded to a depth of several feet, and iii one case the kitchen was washed out of position. Business is suspended. Enormous, damage has been done to roads and bridges. . Auckland coastal shipping has had a ; very rough time, and many vessels are sheltering. The weather is now fine, and it is hoped the floods will rapidly subRjdo.