THE FLOODS.

Globe, Volume XX, Issue 1519, 30 December 1878, Page 3

THE FLOODS.

THE WAIMAKARIRL [By Telegram.] [from tub correspondent of tjie press.] IvAJAroi, December 28. The floods in the Waimakariri increased during Saturday night and Sunday morning, partly inundating Bomo of tho farms on Kaiapoi Island, as well as stopping traffic on the North road. Tho new channel of the river, at Stewart's, is believed to be now completely formed. It is wider than previously, and not less than Oft. deep where the railway crosses. The work of repairs is again useless. Till the bridge is finished the engineers propose erecting the line on trestles, but it will be almost impossible to accomplish even this work before the new year. From tho fact that it will bo difficult to set the trestles on a !>ound foundation, the running of trains thereon is looked upon o? being a somewhat risky undertaking. The loss of traffic to the line during the holidays will be very great. The Ecour is again serious to the south approach of tho railway bridge, and as soon as the water subsides steps will be taken to test it. The new embankment along Charles street east protected the town. Tho land within the bank was Hooded, and tho 3cour is within a very short distance or Ellen's wool works. Mr Ellen and others here may fairly attribute their losses to the stupidity of tho Government, in attempting to curb tho river without having the knowledge or capital at command for such an undertaking, The state of the road is such that the passengers are unablo, up to latest advices, to be conveyed by coach, but the department will endeavor to make arrangements to-day by which passengers will be enabled to cross the bridge, THE RANGrLTATA. By telegrams received from Mr Lowe yesterday the R.-iilway Department were informed that the north end of tho Rangitata Bridge had gone altogether, and that therefore all communication southward of the Rangitata would have to be entirely suspended.