FLOOD PERIL

Hokitika Guardian, 20 June 1930, Page 5

FLOOD PERIL

(Australian Press Association)

SYDNEY. June 19

The. Hood peril in the middle and north const areas is greater than yesterday. At least one thousand families arc homeless, with rain driving in squalls adding to their discomfort. Miles of country west of Maitland are under water. Manning River at Taroe has broken its hanks and lias reached the highest point in history. Maise growers have lost everything n : nd it will he years before the district recovers.

The north const trains are still marooned.

Police and willing helpers are being kept- fully occupied rescuing familes throughout the day.

ASSEMBLY ADJOURNED. SYDNEY, June 19. There was an unusual occurrence to-day when the legislative assembly bad to be adjourned owing to absence of some country members who were held up by the floods. The Govenment, having onl yn selnder majority, was taking no risks of defeat.

WORST FOR 100 YEARS

MANY THRILLING RESCUES

(Received this day at 9.4 D a.m.) SYDNEY, June 20. The floods in Maitland are the worst for over 100 years.

The Weather Bureau, however, hopes that the watej's will recede today, as the storm and rain are clearing.

Some thrilling and dangerous rescues have been reported. A flood boat struck a pole at East Greta and sank. A man seized two children and swam with fheni to safety. Assistance* was rushed to eleven other occupants. A Chinese was rescued ifrom t.lie roof of a house, where the water was swirling round his lg.es.

West Maitland police report Cyril Ness is thought to lie drowned at Drenman. Only his horse and saddle were found.

Ten thousand men are idle at Cess nock after the first , week’s work for fifteen months. ■

At Oakhampton, the rush of water was so sudden that many escaped with only the clothes they were wear-

A Wallis Creek family was driven to the roof, but it was too rough to rescue them. . • •

A* dam near Maitland hurst durtrig the night. The tolling of a bell gave warning. Three young mothers lad to he removed in beds at Wingliarr. There is a danger of food shortage in many places.