THE REGENT FLOODS IN OTAGO.

Kumara Times, Issue 640, 16 October 1878, Page 2

THE REGENT FLOODS IN OTAGO.

The destruction of live stock by the floods in Otago last week, was very great. It is estimated that .5000 bead of sheep have been washed down the Waitaki during the last two days; Some gallant rescues took place, the most conspicuous being the rescue of a family of six, at Balclutha. In the darkness and the fierce current that was running, to approach thei house by boat was an exceedingly hazardous experi. ment. However, a boats crew of five volunteers, undertook to go to the rescue, and at half-past 8 o’clock they set out. The volunteers were Messrs Phelan, Donolly, Maher, Goran? and Renner (the latter of the dutha Times). The boat was got near the house only after the greatest difficulty, and the occupants had frequently to get out up to their armpits almost to break down

fences attd force a way through the bush. It may be imagined how difficult it was in the darkness, and with water always ovpr the waist, to convey Mrs Bugden and four children to the boat, but providentially |}iis was successfully done. Next morning, about six o’clock, the house went by the run, and left not a trace of it whereabouts.; There is not the shadow of a doubt that the whole of the occupants of it would have been drowned had they remained in it, and <Jie five persons named may be con* gratulated not only upon having done a thing plucky in the extreme in itself, but upon having saved the lives of six fellow creatures. Three lives are known to have been lost. James Mitchell, a was drowned in attempting,to ford a part of the Waitaki. Lawson, a very old Southland settler, when his farm, at the Iron Bridge, over the Oreti Line, near Wullacetown, was submerged,' tbbk refuge in a haystack. His neighbours urged him to go into Wallacetown; but he refused, saying he was well provisioned, and had no fear. Next day he 'was not to be found, and there is no doubt that he slipped p$ the stack, and was drowned.