THE WEATHER.

Globe, Volume XXIII, Issue 227, 21 July 1881, Page 3

THE WEATHER.

The rivers yesterday were all high from the incessant rainfall, and parts of the couni ry wore temporally in a state of flood. Tno country between Bennetts and West Eyreton came in for a share, and at Fernside and Southbrook the water was out on some of the land, while the main drain at Flaxton was scarcely able to carry its supply. The north branch of the Waimakariri contained a full stream, which will wonderfully improve the navigable channel of tho river. Our Ashburton correspondent writes: B lin continued to fall in Ashburton the vicinity throughout yes* irday, and the prospects for late ploughing p-e discouraging. Several men in the employ of the Ashburton corporation dug temporary outlets for the water, which had been banked np, and the demesne reservoir overflowed, although the ordinary source of supply had been out off. We are indebted to the Traffic Manager, Mr F. Back, for the following report of tho delays to the trains :—A '1 trains on tho main north l : ne ran to time. Tno line in places on both Oxford branches was rendered unfit for traffic by the ballast being washed away by floods, and traffic by rs'l was entirely suspended. Arrangements were made to forward mails by man and horse. On the Southbridge 'me there are three breaches—one near Leeston, one nepr Irwell, and another on the Ob”;'tchurch side of Lincoln, No trains were able to get through, and the mails were forwarded by man and horse. On the Malvern branch the morning trains ran through to time, but the afternoon trains could not pass Aylesbury, a breach being made by storm-water a short distance north of that place. The trains ran as near to the breach as possible, pud passengers and mails were transferred, arriving in Christchurch at 8.45 pm. Traffic was interrupted on the main South line between Rakaia and Chertsey, a breach being made half a mile south of Rakaia, and another half a mile north of Ohertsey. The 7.5 a.m. tram from Ashburton got through, end came into Christchurch, but the South express bed to transfer passengers and mails at Rakaia, where they were trolliod to the breach at Ohertsey, going by a train which was in readiness. Similar arrangements were made between the 11 a.m. tram from Ashburton and the 1.20 p.m. from Christchurch, and the 4.20 p.m. from Christchurch and the North express, the latter train arriving at Christchurch at 945 p.m. On the Methvon branch the train was brought to a stand near Hatfield, and could neither advance nor retreat, and did not reach Rakaia until 6 p.m. It is hoped that trains will get through today, but if not arrangements will be made to transfer passengers at the various breaks. Connection has not been broken south of Ashburton. [PRESS ASSOCIATION TELEGRAMS .1 WELLINGTON, July 20. No communication has yet been held with the schooner Maggie Paterson, ashore at the Heads, but it is thought that she will be got off when her cargo is discharged. The southerly gale is still blowing and shows every signs of increasing. Tho only departure from port to day was tho steamer Wanoka, for Lyttelton. The Grafton and Penguin, which also left for tho South tb's afternoon, wore compelled to return, owing to the heavy sea running at tho Heads.

Intercolonial Weather Report Sydney, Wednesday evening—-Yesterday the herometer commenced to fall in Western Australia, and this evening it is now 29.5 at Albany, with steep grades for N.W, wind. The barometer at Eohuca, 6CO miles eastward, is 30.4, and the same at Sydney and Brisbane. Bain fell yesterday over Victoria, and to-day between Newcastle end Grafton. Elsewhere it is fine. °

Tied AETJ, July 20. The express train from the North was five hove late in arriving here to-day, owing to the floods. Rain is still falling heavily here, but no serious damago is reported. A heavy sea is running in, but the vessels are riding safely.