THE FLOODS.

Globe, Volume II, Issue 104, 30 September 1874, Page 3

THE FLOODS.

Anticipating some damage to the line from the overflow of the Oust, the Railway Enginear was early on the spot yesterday morning, and after the first train had gone through to Rangiora, he deemed it advisable to stop the train coming again as far as Kaiapoi. Though a portion of the ballast was washed away, the passenger traffic was not suspended, as the very wise precaution of having an engine and two carriages on the Rangiora side had been taken the previous day, and the passengers were trolMed over on the arrival of the train from town. It was observed that the Waimakariri had been rising slowly all the morning, and from mid-day it began to rise very rapidly. About half-past twelve o’clock the river broke through at the sandhills, barely allowing the 12.55 train to get back—ten minutes more would have been too late. About half-past two o’clock the water rose to the level of the ballast between Chaney’s and the bridge, and shortly afterwards broke through the formation. The engineer then stopped the traffic on that portion of the line. The 4,30 train from Christchurch did not proceed farther than Chaney’s corner, some of the passengers returning to

town, while others took their chance of reaching Kaiapoi by walking on the sleepers. The only damage done up to five o’clock yesterday afternoon was the washing away of some of the ballast and formation at intervals of the line between the bridge and Chaney’s ; but at that hour the river was rising rapidly, and as the tide would not be full until 7.30, it is feared that the backwater may cause some further damage. Up to six o’clock last evening the bridge and groin were standing well. There was one singular feature observed during the day, viz., that the river continued to rise even when the tide was ebbing. So far the damage done can be quickly repaired, but the railway authorities have found it advisable to stop the traffic beyond Chaney’s corner until further notice. For the precautions taken to be enabled to continue the passenger traffic yesterday under the circumstances, the highest credit is due to Mr Warner, railway engineer, and to Mr Jones, acting traffic manager. A telegram was received yesterday at 9 a.m, from the Selwyn, stating that the river had been rising all the morning, cutting into the south bank , and that four bays of the bridgework had been driven into the bank, but no danger was apprehended. A further telegram received from there at 2 o’clock, stated that the river was still rising, and the stream was making towards the north bank.