THE FLOOD IN THE CENTRAL AREA.

Evening Star, Issue 20136, 28 March 1929, Page 5

THE FLOOD IN THE CENTRAL AREA.

TO THE EDITORSir,—Because of the lack tliat Jitigatiou is in tlio air, and also in the interest of the knowledge_of how to prevent a further repetition ol whs calamity, it is very important that any evidence relating to the manner or its incidence and the source ol the trouble should be put on record. Lnfortunately two factors served to draw attention away from evidence of this kind, or to hide such from view. J lie -spectacular aspect of the Hood concentrated public attention upon the rare sight of the surging waters, and this attention was intensified by sympathy with the sufferers whose homes were being devastated hy the rushing waters. The other factor lav in Iho gathering darkness, which hid from view much I hat would otherwise have claimed attention. One source of the water which tended to create this lake, which had its lowest portion in St. Andrew street, and extended from the railway station to Hanover street and eastward and westward from Harrow street to (,'umhcrland street, was plainly attributable to the overflow from the Leith along Leith street and otherwise. But Iho gathering darkness hid from view another and perl taps greater source ol flood water—the How along Castle street, which came from the overflow in Duke street. The evidence of this flow can he easily traced by observing its effects upon the streets that were washed hv it.

In order to arrive at a true verdict upon the efficiency of the provision tor carrying away storm water from SI. Andrew street, evidence of the lime when the water began to collect in this area is important. One fact of evidence of this nature may be stated. A visitor to a friend residing in a rather low-lying house in Castle si reel, not far from Sf. Andrew street, in order to approach by the back door, was surprised by the necessity of walking through a sweeping current of water [louring down the lane between the two houses, and in the passage was wetted to the knees. The occupant of the house was found io be finite unconscious of any flood, as the water had not yet entered the dwelling, even at the lower hack portion. This incident demonstrates the fact that the water came from a How down Castle street. Jf it. had been the case, of a gradual rise from St. Andrew street, the lower hack promises would have been invaded First and the water would have been still instead of flowing. As the visitor was concerned about iho safety of a friend, and was not hent- upon collecting evidence, the exact time was not noted; hut it is estimated to have been about P o'clock, li, may he added that at about 7 o'clock, while the inmates were being carried out from their homes in Forth street, and as yet the waters had not overflowed the hanks above Leith street, there was no How down Castle street, .-o evidently the wafers I roni Duke sweet had not yet reached thus far.

The above goes to demonstrate two important facts—that the provision made is ample for carrying off all storm water from the natural area, and inforontiallv was likewise ample to cone with the similar storm water in the flood of 192.'!, before the construction of _ the enormously expensive new drains; and also that in order fully to shut off ilie foreign .supplies it will not he sufficient to confine the Leith waters as far up as the Union street bridge, but it will In' necessary io make defensive provision _as far up as and including the material overflow over the fiend above the bridge at Woodliaugh.—l am, etc.. D.B.F. March ih.