The Hastings Standard Published Daily. SATURDAY, APRIL 17 1897. THE EASTER FLOODS.

Hastings Standard, Issue 299, 17 April 1897, Page 2

The Hastings Standard Published Daily.

SATURDAY, APRIL 17 1897. THE EASTER FLOODS.

For the cause that lacks assistance, For the wrongs that need resistance, For the future in the distance, And the good that we can do.

The inhabitants of Hawke's Bay will have cause to remember the Easter holidays of Record Reign year. Never in the memory of the oldest inhabitants has so much rain fallen in so short a time. The deluge up-country must have been quite as constant as it was in Hastings, for all the rivers rose at an alarming rate. The embankment built near Roy's Hill twenty years ago to protect the low-lying parts of the borough of Hastings carried away, and the Ngarororu river bore down in all its fury on the settlers on the flat. Many were rescued under exciting circumstances, leaving their homes to the mercy of the waters. Many families lost the whole contents of their houses, and the loss of stock is very great. From all parts of the district come reports of bridges being washed away, houses inundated, and cattle, sheep, and horses drowned. Stories of plucky rescues are heard on all sides, and the greatest credit is due to those gentlemen who spent last night in boats on the flats rescuing the women and children. Their efforts were handicapped by the limited means at their disposal, and in one part of the town where the danger was most serious there were only two boats available. After last night's experience boatbuilding within the borongh will be more largely indulged in. The little band of heroes, headed by Constable Butler, should be proud of their efforts, for not one case of drowning has been reported. The damage to the railway line is said to be tremendous and communication north and south is to-day at a standstill. The passengers by the express had a lively experience yesterday, and there was universal grumbling at Departmental red-tape and regulations which compelled 250 passengers to remain for six hours at a point where no food of any kind could be procured. With such wretched telephonic communication it is a wonder that redtap? did not keep the travellers Iwxed up in the carriages all night. Had the circumstances not Ken so favorable to allow of conmiunic&tion with headquarters it is resonable to suppose that the guard would still be awaiting instructions. More will probably be heard of the matter. It is saf«- to say that hundreds of families h:t\< (••-« n rendt-ml practically homeless, tor the waters rose at *o rapid a rate thai in the majority of cases no furniture of any sort was saved. In nianv cases the flood covered the topslbe bouia*, aod

consequently the whole of the contents of these dwellings must be ruined. It is certain that thousands of pounds will be required to provide every comfort for the many poor sufferers, and the Standard suggests that a subscription bo opened at once. Sympathy is heard from all quarters, but sympathy won't keep body and soul together. There are scores of ■wealthy people who might considerably, relieve the sufferings of the unfortunates. The starving millions of India were well thought of by a great many residents of Hastings, and the local subscription to the lirunner Relief Fund was something for a small town to be proud of. The Standard will be pleased to acknowledge all gifts to the Hastings Easter Floods Fund, and earnestly seeks the co-operation of all the residents of the district.