FLOODS.

Gisborne Times, Volume VII, Issue 374, 25 March 1902, Page 2

FLOODS.

[By Telegraph—Press Association.] Christchurch, last night. Heavy rain fell in North Canterbury on Saturday and Sunday, and still continues. The Ashley river is in a high state of flood, higher than it has been for ten or twelve years. The embankments did not confine the river to its proper course, and the surrounding country is flooded. Tho river Eyre, which joins tho Ashley, is also flooded. A part of the Ashley railway bridge was washed away, and the lino is impassable. From Kaiapoi through to Flaxton was one sheet of water this morning on both sides of the railway line. Tho Oxford branch line at Waverle'y was also broken through by the floods. Very heavy downpours occurred in the northern district to-day, and still continue.

In the south, railway and telegraphic communication is interrupted between Orari and Ashburton. Passengers for the south are only booked for Rangitata. A gang of workmen left by the express to repair damages. It is still raining steadily in Ashburton district. WORST FLOOD SINCE 1868. By Telegraph—Press Association. Christchurch, last night. The flood in the northern district is the most severe experienced since the great flood of 1868. AH the rivers and streams overflowed their banks and a great area of country was submerged. Root crops suffered badly, and a good deal of stock has been drowned. The damage to Ashley Bridge cannot be repaired in less than a month. There is no access by road or rail to any districts north of Rangiora, but news by telephone shows that tho floods are very heavy, and the damage considerable. South of Christchurch the express train was able to get through as far as Timaru, but there is no news from-beyond there.