FLOODS AT THE GREENSTONE

Inangahua Times, Volume III, Issue 76, 12 February 1877, Page 2

FLOODS AT THE GREENSTONE

(From the Eumira Times), On arrival at Houlaban's some idea of the immense quantity of water that went down the creeks, especially the Greenstone, is risibly apparent, both sides of the creek are scoured, and the approaches to the Greenstone, bridge are swept away for some twelve or fourteen feet on either side, wbile the bridgo itself is "slewed" on one side, on the Ivumara end. The bridge over the Blackwater is safe. The large culvert, crossing the road near the Junction, has been swept away, and nothing left, but a mass of mud and slush. The bridge over the Three-nil*- Creek on the Greenstone road is safe, but not that near the Greenstone Township, which has entirely disappeared. A miner named Williams, living on the rondside between the Junction and the Greenstone, had a narrow escape. His hut ancl everything belonging to him were swept away, and he only sived himself by clinging on to a rait, the water being up to his armpits, till daylight. Ihe township of Greenstone is a wreck. Mr Foley's hotel, stcre, and butcher's shop was washed completely away, also some sheep, and Mrs Foley and child had to make a hasty escape for their lives. Nothing was saved, and the damage was estimatei at between £700 and £830. Mr William Morgan's cottage, furniture, &c, was also carried away; Davidson's boit and shoe store was partly destroyed, but the furniture and stock were saved. Harris's hotel was partially destroyed ; while numerous huts have also disappeared. Some doubt exists as to the safe'y of the Chinamen at Maori Poiut. Some of their huts have gone and some of the Chinese are missing. The road between the Junction and Marsden is in a fearful state. Landslips are frequent, and in one place, near Cassidy's old store, there is a cap over a chain wide. The approaches to the bridge over the >'ew River at Marsder, are also gone. Although the road from Kuraara to Marsden is a wreck, and we are assured on competent authority, tbat it will be at least three weeks before a coach will be able to travel the distance. The damage done on the leads is trifling with the exception of round about Barker's claim, where the water broke through and bas flooded out nine or ten claims, which will cause a serious loss.