FLOODS RECEDING

Evening Star, Issue 19796, 21 February 1928, Page 6

FLOODS RECEDING

—. POSITION IN NEW SOUTH WALES RAILWAY SERVICES RESTORED STORIES OF RUIN AND DEVASTATION. Pres* Asaociation—By Telegraph—Copyright. SYDNEY, February 21. (Received February 21, at 10.30 a.m.) The flood reports from the south indicate that the water is receding in most parts, and the railway services have been restored on all the main lines. The position in the north is still serious owing to tho amount of water yet to come down the rivers. Heavy rain is still falling in the city, but the meteorologist forecasts a return of fine weather. The restoration of means ol communication is bringing forth stories of ruin, devastation, heroism, thrilling escapes from swirling flood waters, and privations of isolated settlers. For several days the township of Ungario was completely isolated. In one instance a settler’s wife and three children spent two days and a night on the rafters or their home before being rescued. The Grafton River is falling slowly. At Murwillumbah 23in of rain has fallen since the beginning of February, and serious landslides are reported. At Numinbah tho food shortage is becoming acute, no bread of other provisions having been received since Monday last week. Hitherto seven fatalities have been reported. GROWING DEATH ROLL, SYDNEY, February 21. (Received February 21, at 11.15 a.m.) In addition to the seven deaths resulting from the floods mentioned earlier, four are reported from Queensland. AH mines adjacent to the Gobar mine are idle, owing to the danger of Hooding should the pressure of water break tho barriers.

SERIOUS POSITION AT KEBPSEY

ONE TOWN NEARLY SUBMERGED

STOCK PRICES RISE

SYDNEY, February 21. (Received February 21, at 12.30 p.m.)

At Kempsey the Macleay River is up 19ft, and the worst flood for many years is feared. At Bolhook, further up, it is 35ft, and all the residents have fled to higher country. Jn many parts ol Central Kempsey the_ water is sft deep in the -streets, and is still rising. Tiie town of Nyngan is nearly under water, and the position is serious. Many people have been without food tor two or three days, and no relief can be given. , The flood conditions are responsible for a swift rise in the price of sheep and cattle at the Homebush saleyards, Sydney. The sheep market rose 10s per head. The chairman of the Meat Board says that prices will continue to rise ti® the roads are in a fit condition to permit stock to be brought to the rail heads.