TELEGRAMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 30 January 1919, Page 4

TELEGRAMS.

i lix.au ASisuCIAXIOH . —COI'I'KIGIIT. j OTAGO FLOODS. DUNEDIN, January a 29. As tho result of the heavy rain (.luring the past few days, the railway traffic on the South line wu s interrupted yesterday. On reaching Stirling passengers had to walk more than a quarter of a mile before rejoining the ’ train. Balelutha yesterday experienced tiie most auxious time since the record flood of 1818. An embankment protecting the town, stood the terrific strain all day, but fear s were eii'ertained at night that unless the Hood (waters abated, the structure would i give way. A large number were engaged placing sandbags on tho embankment, so as to prevent the water from 1 breaking) through. Tne residents of the lower part of the town were warn ed to he prepared to vacate houses at 10 p.m. last night. Urgent calls for assistance were sent, out as the danger appeared of the gravest nature. The Barnego settlement was yesterday completely under water. The settlers houses were isolated. Th e Bal cliitha Dairy Factory was surrounded by 5 feet of water. The river flooded Stirling to a depth of 3 feet. Water covered the East Taeiri to a depth of 3 feet yesterday.

THE RIVER FALLING DUNEDIN, January 29. The position at Uaic/atha regarding the flood is now reass m.iMg. The river lia s fallen two feet and the crisis is considered past. Temporary repairs to the bank proved eflt‘euve. No leaks are now noticeable. There was an anxious period in the afternoon when an opening in the embankment widened but- if was successfully blocked with sandbags. Stirling is s till in a sorry plight. The flood water is high in all the houses on low levels. No stock losses are reported. The railway near Lovells Flat is covered by 4 feet of water. It is improbable trains will get through before Saturday. No trains ran on the Outram line today. the rails being 26 inches under water between the river side and Ghidfield.

The Postmaster at Tvaitangat-a telegraphed at 9 a.m, that the indications pointed- to the highest flood on record. In the afternoon lie reported the water was .18 inches higher than in 1917 and the flood was s i,ill rising. Several houses were Hooded .

Two bridges and part of a third have been carried away at Oturehun, Central Otago.

NEW TROTTING COURSE

CHRISTCHURCH, January 29, For the purpose of a new trotting course, the Metropolitan Trotting Club lias purchased a very fine area of ground in Rieoarton district comprising 87 acres at a cost of £2IOOO. The club’s property at Addington is only held on lease, which lias still seven years to run, hut it is likely that racing will he in full swing on the new course before that period elapses.

ASSAULT ON CONSTABLE. WELLINGTON, January 29

David Leecfi Kinnear was charged i Ihe Magistrate’s Court .to-day with hav ing assaulted Constable Small so as f cause him bodily barm. Constnbl Small said lie was attacked with a boa hook, and that a blow knocked liill half wav across the road.

Kinnear, who pleaded guilty nils en mitted to the Supreme Court for se fence, bail being fixed at £IOO at two sureties of a like amount.

FALSE GIRTH STATEMENT. INVERCARGILL, Jan. 29. Walter James Lee, pleaded guilty to making a false statement to the Registrar of Births at Waimalinka and was committed for sentence.

WANGANI'I MUNICIPAL PROJECTS Wanganui, jah. 29. To-day the Borough ratepayers endorsed a proposal to borrow £5,000 for a refuse destructor. A proposal to raise a loan of £12.500 to purchase a town property for the site of a proposed municipal theatre was defeated, M AR),BOROUGH RACES. CHRISTCHURCH, Jan. 29. 1 lie Canterbury J.C. has approved of the Metropolitan Trotting Club programme and has recommended, the Club that be allowed an additional (lay for its meeting in May. The appointment of R. H. Aldworth n s judge was confirmed.