FLOOD DAMAGE.

Hokitika Guardian, 8 May 1923, Page 3

FLOOD DAMAGE.

HEAVY LOSSES AT BLENHEIM. THE TOWN INUNDATED. BRIDGES SWEPT AWAY. [BY TI2LEORAT*II —TER TRESS ASSOCIATION.] BLENHEIM, May S. The river hurst its banks at the school yesterday and flooded the business area of the town to a. depth of four feet. -Most of the shops were inundated, and heavy losses of stock are reported. In one instance. Girling and Coy., lost about £IOOO. Many houses iti the low area were invaded |liv water. The lefogees are distributed amongst the more fortunate in the higher areas. The worst locality is Grove Road, at the eastern end of the town, where many houses were Hooded to a. depth of six feet The flood waters are now receding. All day yesterday it was impossible to get- about the town and business was at a standstill.

Washouts on the Picton and Wbaranui lines caused a complete stoppage of railway traffic.

Reports from the country districts indicate the flood was general. Urc railway and traffic bridge was swept away, it is also reported Flaxbourne bridge has gone. Medway bridge on the upper Awatere was washed aw'ay. All bridges in the Pelorous district are reported to have gone. Heavy losses of stock are reported in various localities. All the roads are blocked and impassable. There is no communication in any direction. The telephone service is interrupted and reports arc difficult to obtain. The full extent of the damage "ill not be known for some days.