THE QUEENSLAND FLOODS.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LXXIX, Issue 9969, 23 February 1893, Page 5

THE QUEENSLAND FLOODS.

[Special to Press Association.] LONDON, Feb. 20. The Queensland relief fund has reached .£2OOO, LONDON, Feb. 21. The Queensland Relief Fuad has reached £3OOO. BRISBANE, Feb. 22. The relief fond amounts to £12,700. North Bundaherg is entirely inundated, and four hundred people are homeless. [Per Press Association.] AUCKLAND, Feb. 22. The Mayor telegraphed to day to tho Premier of Queensland, asking whether assistance for the relief of the distressed should be sent in kind rather than in money, there being a feeling here that food should be sent, aa it was so much more expensive in the flooded districts. No reply has yet been received. Tbe total amount collected here has reached about £ISOO. NAPIER. Feb. 22. The amount collected in two days towards the Queensland Relief Fund is £3OO with other lists to come in. Committees havo also been formed at Hastings and Waipukarau. WELLINGTON. Feb. 23. Tho Mayor of Palmerston North is forwarding £IOO worth of produce to Brisbane. Telegrams from any bank, remitting money collected for the Queensland sufferers, will pass free over all land and cable lines.

NARRATIVE OF A CHRISTCHURCH RESIDENT. A GRAPHIC DESCRIPTION. Mr W. H. Greenfield, a former resident of Christchurch, writing from Brisbane on Feb. 7, sends the following details regarding the great fl od in that city Being an old Christchurch resident, or rather having spent my boyhood days there, received my education, and served try apprenticeship at the office of the Lyttelton Times, and having so many friends there, I naturally find my thoughts drifting that way occasionally. At the present time no doubt many, if not most people in Canterbury, and, in fact, throughout the Colonies, have turned their attention this way, and ate anxiously awaiting news from ua here in Brisbane, concerning this terrible flood, of which we are just in tbe midst. I f -el that it is my duty to pen as correct a report as possible of it from beginning to end for my friends in Christchurch,

It bad been raining off and on since Jan. 20 until Jan. 30, when it set in in real earnest, and kept at it incessantly day and night for seven days, when it broke for a few hours during tbe dsy, but rained very heavily during the nighs again. On Feb. 1 the forecast from the weather office predicted a fresh in the river and possible floods, and showed that there bad been very heavy rainfall all up the coast. On. Feb. 3 the weather reports from surrounding country told us very plainly that we should have a severe flood, the lowlying land, around Brisbane being then already submerged from locally fallen rains. The people in these districts were then busily engaged removing to higher places—places above our previous highest flood marks, little dreaming that such a terrible flood was at hand which would compel them to shift again. All along the wharves merchants and others were actively engaged removing goods. On Friday, Feb. 3, reports of anything but an encouraging nature were coming in fast from all around the country, showing exceptionally heavy rainfalls and floods higher than ever known before in most places, while in Brisbane it had been raining incessantly since Jan. 80, and there was no appearance of its clearing off anywhere. THE BLOOD ROSS EVSEY HOUR, and the current in the river had become bo great that steamers could not make way against it, and thus all communication by stream was stopped. The debris coming down the river hourly increased in quantity, and the outlook became so bad in the afternoon that many business people hurried home to make everything secure there, and then harried back to look after their business, fearing that by the morning many or most o£ the suburbs would be practically cut off from tbe city, which fear unfortunately proved to be too well founded, for daring the night the waters rose and passed all previous records. Then commenced a general exodus from all places within eight to ten feet of the then flood level. After reaching the last flood maiks, the stream increased with such velocity that all houses on low lands in the vicinity of the river were lifted off their stumps and washed away, carrying everything before them, and grave fears were entertained for the safety of Victoria bridge, it being well known that if the water rose to the decking tha structure must go. Already the Corporation men were working hard to keep it free from tbe fast-collecting mass of wreckage. On Sunday the water had risen to a depth of three feet over the southern portion, and between the afternoon and tbe following morning all the northern portion completely disappeared. THUS £140,000 WAS SWEPT AWAY,

This bridge was exactly a quarter of a mile in length. Then came word that the Indoorpilly railway bridge and all the other bridges had shared the same fate. The river during the whole of Sunday was one surging mass of wreckage, consisting of houses, which would come crashing into one another and break up, pianos, furniture of all sorts, hoses, casks, hay and straw stacks, pumpkins in hundreds, fruit trees, trees of all descriptions, dead horses, cows, pigs and poultry. In some cases it seemed as though the house, garden and everything belonging to it had come away in a body, and, as if to make the scene more terrible, the roar of the rushing waters was deafening. Many of what had just a few days before been comfortable homes were carried away and lost forever. Suddenly there is a cry from the crowd on the banka, " Another boat broken away," and a big powerful steamer dashes past, crashing with terrible force into whatever may be in its way as it is swirled around. One could not help exclaiming,

“ GOD HELP THE POOK PILLOWS AEOAItD,’"' who were absolutely powerless to help themselves or guide the boat on its perilous voyage. Next the cry went up that five or six dredges had broken away. We could see it to be too true, for fully threequarters of a mile up the river they were dashing along. With a friend I hurried down to the bank, only six yards away. Bounding from Humbug Beach to Bolimba Beach we saw a magnificent two-storied house on New Farm side rise from off its stumps and sink under these dredges, which apparently ground it up, for it only came to the surface in bits. About three seconds after this three more dredges came flying past, all dragging their anchors. Next came three of our river barges at a terrible rate, with apparently no one on board of them excepting a poor unfortunate foxterrier dog, who seemed to know too well that ha was in a dangerous position by the way he ran whining from end to end of the vessel- Yesterday (Monday, Feb. 6) my friend and I made au early start to make an effort to roach South Brisbane- Although only living three miles from the boundary, we had to 1 traverse twelve miles before we could get near, and then had to be rowed half a mile across Norman Creek, near Brisbane river. On landing an the Lyttou road we wont up Shifton road. Kangaroo Point. We found no. much-of the Foip.t-undcr w&fcer fchofi

NOTHING COULD BE BEEN BUT HOUSE TOPS AND WATER, the flood having gone right over the lower portion, carrying off everything moveable. On this point there were several foundries and Peacock’s jam factory, but it is impossible to tell how they have fared until the flood has subsided. On retracing our steps we got on to the river terrace, which is one of the highest parts around the river, forming a high precipice, with the river immediately below, and from here we obtained a good view of what were once our beautiful Botanical Gardens and Government Domain. AU the low parts along tho river were completely under water, with a great number of steamers, ships’ boats, punts, &c., right up in tha garden, and tied to whatever substantial trees were adjacent. The beautiful new and commodious residence of the caretaker, which was built near the garden ferry, was a total wreck, while the lower part of our lovely fernery suffered severely. All the clumps of bamboos on the bank of the river round the Government Domain have been swept away, the current running right across the Domain point. Government House being on good high ground, escaped by several feet. Looking down towards Petrie’s Bight, off Kangaroo Point, only tho roofs of the various Shipping Companies’ sheds could be seen. Our guu boat, the Gaynndah, and one or two other boats, were oat in mid-stream, those on board having a very anxious time of it, for fear the vessels would break away, but fortunately they stood it well. Looking toward South Brisbane the river appeared to ba an enormous size. The railway coaling wharves were several feet under water, only the funnels of the steam cranes being visible. Oa going around the bend, tbo remains of Victoria bridge (the southern portion) were plainly seen, the northern half right up to the stone work having been swept away, though the wreckage had collected to such an extent as to form a wall. All along the south bank only the roofs could be seen above water; indeed, it looked very much as though all South Brisbane was submerged. Working around into South Brisbane we fouud that the flood had risen into the Ship Inn, Stanley street, and the street itself, which had a downward grade toward the Victoria bridge, was altogether under, and only the top flats of two-storied buildings could be seen. About half-way down the view wss blocked by

A FILE OF HOUSES heaped up in the middle of the street. Going from hero up Sidon street, and on to tha new railway embankment between Guy and Hope streets, we could get right down to Melbourne street (which runs to tho right to Victoria Bridge) with water on both sides of us. Oa either side of this embankment is South Brisbane proper—a portion of the city which was thickly populated. From Tribune street right along to the Milton reach of tho river there is nothing but a huge sea, with housetops here and there, and piles of debris everywhere and houses upside down ; in fact, it is too difficult to describe. The water bad even gone over the railway embankment for some distance. Here and there on high ground were to ba seen piles of furniture and HOMELESS WOMEN AND CHILDREN, they having shifted wherever they could on the Saturday night, and trusted to Providence for the rest. All this was indeed a most appalling sight, and yet nothing to what wo expect to see when tho flood has gone down, for hundreds of homes have been swept away, and there is no knowing the number of lives that have been Icafc with them. Many of what might be termed the more fortunate ones were busy washing the thick sediment off the walls and floors of their homes as tbe water went down, and well it needs it, for even now tbe etenoh is dreadfully sickening, a fact which makes ua fear a fever plague soon. From this wretched scene we made out way towards Woolloongabba. Although we did not see such an appalling sight here as at South Brisbane, still the water had completely submerged hundreds of houses, and wrought ruin. This suburb being more scattered the relief parties could get at those in distress much easier, and take them to places of safety. UTTER RUIN MEETS THE EYE EVERYWHERE.

There is not a suburb around Brisbane, nor Brisbane itself, that bos escaped ; in fact, the whole country might well be described as a huge sea with numbers of small islands, and each packed with human beings, with nothing but destitution staring them in the face. As we pass by each it stirs tbe inmost soul to see the distress and feel utterly powerless to assist our fellow creatures. 1 have seen several what were to me terrible sights from time to time, but never have 1 witnessed anything so terrible, so destructive, 83 this flood of February, 1693. And it is possible for a similar flood to come again before this season is passed. I have only spoken of a very small portion of the country. We cannot get to North Brisbane to see how they are doing. We know that nearly all Fortitude Valley is under water, and Rosalie and Milton and all the lower portions of Toowong. Indoorpilly is a sea, as well as Jeronga and Oxley ; in fact, all the suburbs without exception. The reports from Gympie, Maryborough, Bundaherg and elsewhere show that they are as badly off, if not worse—though that can hardly be—than we are in Brisbane. God help the hundreds of poor homeless families.

The Telegraph Department has been advised that communication with Brisbane was restored at 2.30 p.m. yesterday. Messages of Feb. 13 are now being transmitted. The Committee of the Master Bakers’ Association wishes all those who have promised, and those it has not been able to call upon, to forward their donations to the New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company’s stores, at the corner of Durham street and the South belt, as it is desirous of forwarding all donations by Monday’s steamer. Mr Harley has kindly consented to store and forward all goods collected by the Master Bakers’ Association. A detailed list will appear at a future date. The teachers and scholars of the Sydenham school have determined to mark their sympathy with the Queensland sufferers in a practical manner. A subscription list has been opened, and already a very fair sum baa been collected. In bringing the matter before the scholars, the head master addressed them on “ Practical Sympathy,” and called upon them to show, as the Mayor had stated, that the Model Borough would be true to its motto, “ Deeds Not Words.” A very large audience assembled in the Temple of Truth last night, when Mr Worthington repeated hia lecture on “ America’s Public Men and Women,” for the benefit of the Queensland sufferers. The lecture was attentively listened to, and the proceeds should prove a handsome addition to the funds. At eight o’clock this evening an entertainment will be given in the Theatre Eoyal. The programme includes songs by the best amateur vocalists, instrumental selections, and a magnificent series of dissolving views. The prices of admission are three shillings, two shillings and one shilling. A meeting convened by the Mayor of Christchurch was held last night at the City Council Chambers, for the purpose of devising means for assisting the Central Belief Fund Committee. The Mayor presided, and there were present the Mayors of Sydenham, St Albans and Linwood. the Very Eav the Dean, Revs Fathers Bell and Marnane, Eevs W. Harper, 8. J. Baker, L. M. Isitt, J. Dawson and W. Barnett, Mr B. S. Harley (President of the Chamber of Commerce), Mr W. Hayward, D.G.M. of the Oddfellows, M.U., Mr W. E. Mitchell, and about twenty othei; gentlemen. It was unanimously resolved on the motion of the Eev S. J. Baber that Sunday, March 5, should be the day set apart for a special Queensland Relief offertory in all churches, and a circular was ordered to be sent to all clergymen asking them to co-operate jn this movement. On the motion of the Mayor of St Albans, seconded by the Mayor of Sydenham, it was agreed to leave the appointment of special canvassers to the executive, but urging that Committee to invite such gentlemen aa were suggested to ju&ke-fcho canvass. ..Regret waa-expreeaed^

at the indisposition which prevented Mr John Ollivier from taking hia usual active part in the matter, and hopes were expressed for hia speedy recovery. Mr Harley read a telegram from the Hon W. P. Beeves, in which ho stated that goods were still being carried free by the Union Steamship Company in ita vessels leaving for Sydney, and that the Railway Commissioners were also carrying goods free of charge on nil the lines. The Wakatipu would leave for Australia nest week, and a quantity of goods had been sent that day. The New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company’s stores in Lyttelton were available for receiving the goods and delivering them to the steamers, and he hoped that they would be taken full advantage of. The Central Committee had expressed the hope that Societies forwarding goods or money wonld send them through the Central Committee, to enable that body to regulate ita contributions of goods and cash. The names of _ four gentlemen who were mentioned as likely to act as special canvassers having been handed in the meeting closed. Mr E. W. Seager is busy preparing a number of lantern slides which he has copied from negatives taken by the late Dr Barker, between the years 1859-72, representing all the various public characters among the colonists of the early period of Canterbury, and a number of street views. The negatives have been lent to Mr Seager by Mr S. D. Barker, and ate the best of a large collection taken by his father, Mr Seager proposes to exhibit them at a public gathering to be bald one day next week, the proceeds of which will be given to the Queensland Belief Fund. Mr Seager has succeeded well in copying about one hundred of them, representing views of Christchurch and the neighbourhood, which he will exhibit by limelight. Mr G. R. Hart baa undertaken to deliver a descriptive lecture, which will bring back to many colonists pleasant memories of days long past. A meeting of the Executive Committee was held yesterday morning in the City Council Chambers. The Mayor announced that the total amount received in cash up to the present time was .£l5O. The Cash Amateur Bicycling Club was willing to get up sports, all the proceeds to go to the fund. Mr Douglass said that the Orange Lodge collected funds only from their own members, and did not wish to interfere with the general fund. The Mayor was glad of this explanation, as ho had brought the matter up on the previous morning, and he had evidently been misinformed. This terminated the business.

At a meeting of the Committee of the Sydenham and Addington Working Men’s Club, held on Tuesday evening, it was decided to vote £lO 10a from the funds of the Club, to be supplemented by a subscription amongst the members, for the relief of the sufferers by the recent floods in Queensland, the amount to be forwarded in goods. It was decided to send two tons of flour by Thursday’s boat, the balance of the subscription to be sent later.

The Mayor and Mr W. E. Mitchell, Hon Treasurers to the Queensland (and, desire to acknowledge the following subscriptions Amount previously acknowledged, £9l 8s 6d, £ b. d. Duncan Eutherford 10 0 0 Canterbury Kilwinning Royal Arch Chapter 110 Jsmoa Lamb ... 110 VV. Whits, seat.... ... ... 22 0 F. D. Gibson ... ... ... 110 A. W. Bennetts ... 110 W. H. Hargreaves ... ... 22 0 A. Johnson ... ... ... 0 5 0 S. S. Blackburne... 10 0 W. H. Cooper 22 0 Hon W. Eolleaton ... 5 0 0 P. and D. Duncan 5 5 0 S. Hewlinga ... 3 0 0 A. Scott 22 0 W. W. Collins (collected) ... 14 10 0 C. J. W. Cookson 110 Rev P. E. Inwood 110 A Friend ... ... ... ... 0 2 0 Crown Brewery 22 0 Employees Crown Brewery ... 2 0 0 A. Gilbert 0 10 6 Total ... £SB 8 6 Grand Total ... £149 17 0 The following amounts have been, raised among the employees of the Kaiapoi Manufacturing Company > Kaiapoi Mills 67 0 0 Christchurch Factory and Warehouse 43 0 0 Total £IOO 0 0 Goods to the value of £IOO were sent by the employees by yesterday's boat. This is in addition to the £2O worth already sent by the Company.