FLOOD IN THE INANGAHUA.

Inangahua Times, Volume III, Issue 74, 7 February 1877, Page 2

FLOOD IN THE INANGAHUA.

Saturday last closed in with, every prospect of an extensive flood. Tbo rain ' had fallen continually for thirteen hours, and towards evening the river began fo rise with a rapidity which caused the greatest alarm amongst the ros ; dea!s of the lower part of the town, fearing that the fjood would burse the embankment along the Strand, the police prudently went round and warned the occupants of the hppsc3 most in danger, and the bulk of the people gathered up their household gods aqd betook themselves to the higher parts of the town. The rain continued without interval up to 10 o'clock, when there was a slight cessation. The night being very dark and the danger imminent, did not deter a number of persons from keeping watch with lanterns along the river bank to give the a|arm should the flood make a b,rea,ch iv, the protective works. Uortunately, however, the expectation of a repetition of the great flood of February, 1872, was defeated, as the river did not rise within a foot of the top of the protective works, and at 11 o'clock commenced to subside, thus showing that the rain had been merely local. No damage whatever wag 4oqe to the protective works. lOWEB DOWN THE VAILET it is reported that the flood has done an immense amount of damage, Mr M'Gar* raty and Gallagher Brothers being the greatest sufferers, by the inuudation. It is said that about three acres of ground at M'Gayraty's farm, upon a por-Jian of which sfood a, large barn, ha 3 been carlied awaj. A large portion of Hie hay crop, which yf&a lying upon the ground, has aho, been swept away. Messrs Gallagher Brothers, it is reported, have lost several acres of standing crop tbroqgh, a branch of the river having washed away the ground. THE ?tT£LES BQAD. has been damaged so badly in many places that wheeled traffic is likely to he stopped for many days to come. At the fpot qf Laray's Creek several chains of the road have been washed away, and the route is now blockaded with masses of driftwood. At the IEFT«HAND BRANCH. The river has encroached further upon the holding o.f Mr Williams, and added gtill further to the intricacy and, danger of the crossing at that point.