FLOOD DAMAGE.

Hokitika Guardian, 11 May 1923, Page 3

FLOOD DAMAGE.

[BY TELEGRAPH—rKR PRESS ASSOCIATION.] A GRAVE DISASTER. BLENHEIM, May 11. Speaking at a meeting of the Borough Council last night the Mayor said the flood was the gravest disaster that has ever befallen the district. Some of the settlers in the Whittle’s Bend locality had lost everything on their farms, and some might lose even their farms, unless the local authorities were successful in turning the water hack to its original channel. In other parts of the district the losses were not so severe and could be made up. In Bleiihenm the working people sufferred severely. It was stated that some people were sleeping on wet beds and in this connection the Mayor stated one was a woman. The Catholic authirities have given the use of St Patrick’s Hall and the Hospital Board lias promised to provide blankets. A Red Cross offer lias been received from Weilington to assist with clothing, etc. Lord Jollicoe wired his sympathy and regret at the serious damage done and the consequent distress. Offers of assistance have been received from all over the country, including the Mayor and Councillors of Picton. Money is coining in freely for the purpose of relief funds, hut will he only a drop in the ocean of distress and need. The body of John Ernest Giedliill. one of the victims of the Grovetown tragedy, was found about a chain from the spot where Robinson’s body was recovered.

An inquest was held last evening and a verdict of accidentally drowned was returned.

The countryside generally is in an awful mess. Road communication has been opened up Between l’ieton and Blenheim, but railway traffic is still dislocated owing to washouts.

The business people al'e getting down to normal again.