FLOODS IN THE SOUTH.

Gisborne Times, Volume VII, Issue 375, 26 March 1902, Page 2

FLOODS IN THE SOUTH.

[By TelegrapU—Press Association.] • Dunedin, last night. The rains of -18 hours previous to nine o’clock last night did considerable damage to the low-lying grounds in Dunedin valley > and flat. At Waikouaiti the Shag river rose considerably, and the racecourse was under water all Sunday, allowing boating to be indulged in. Palmerston was surrounded by water. The loss of stock is likely to be heavy. Slips on the railway line between here and Oamaru were cleared sufficiently to enable the express train to get through, but it got stuck up at Pukeuri Junction, a few miles to the north of Oamaru, and had to return to Dunedin, which was reached at midnight. The weather is now fine, and the Railway Department advises that the express will get right through to Christchurch to-day. Early this morning the Department were advised that the South line was under water, but later information says the Invercargill train will get through all right. Christchurch, last night. Owing to the flooded state of the country over which it was proposed to operate, and the shortness of notice, and the members having made other arrangements, the Easter camp has been postponed. It is estimated that it will take about a week to repair the Ashley railway bridge. Most of the material necessary is at present on the site, and preparations have been made for starting the work of repairing the structure. An arrangement has been made to convey passengers and mails by coach a distance of twelve miles during the period the bridge is impassable. Passengers by the express for South this morning were only booked as far as Timaru.

THE LATEST NEWS. FLOODS SUBSIDING. [By Telegraph—Press Association.] Christchurch, last night.

The floods in the northern district are rapidly subsiding, but it will be a considerable time before the low-lying land is clear of water. It the Salt Water creek and Waikuku districts the damage is very serious. Cattle, pigs, and poultry were drowned. Stacks were submerged to the eaves, and houses inundated. Potatoes and other root crops will suffer very heavily. The roads are almost impassablo. Dunedin, last night. The floods have abated in Waihemo and Waikouaiti districts. ' Most damage has been done in the Lower Shag Valley district, mostly to farmers' crops. Iu some cases, a few head of stock have been lost. The potato crop on the low-lying ground is expected to be a failure. As a result of the flood, a large slip has taken place on the Kilrnog Hill, and the main road has beon closed. Tho latest from Taieri distnet states that the river has commenced to fall, and no further danger is anticipated. The chief damage has been to crops in stook, and to turnips, large areas of the latter having been injured. At low estimate the farmers’ losses will total 115000. The Atakaia riding has suffered most.