BIG FLOODS

Hokitika Guardian, 11 February 1929, Page 5

BIG FLOODS

FATAL FLOODS IN NEW SOUTH WALES. (Australian Press Association). SYDNEY, February 11. Torrential rains on the north, coast caused heavy floods over the week-end in Manning. Maelcay, Namhueca, and Bellinger. The rivers of the two firstmuned overflowed their banks and caused enormous damage to farm lands and the maize crops. The water rose so rapidly in sonic towns that hundreds of people were trapped, and some people on the isolated 'farms had To he rescued by police. Two men were drowned at Gloucesterill attempting to rescue other people when they were swept away. The railway services to Gloucester were completely disorganised. Practically every shop and office in Gloucester was inundated. The damage is estimated at £40,000. Great damage was done to the roads in the Newcastle District. It is estimated £IOO.OOO will be required to restore them to their former condition. Tlie had state of the roads was responsible for a fatal accident to John Jar.sous, aged twenty,* who was killed when a lorry overturned at Cooks Hill. Four others were injured. The Hunter River is rising rapidly, anil there is a possibility of floods in Newcastle. .Many farms in the Taree district arc covered to a deptli of 12 feet. The forecast is for more rain. Heavy falls are aggravating the flood conditions.