The Floods.

Manawatu Standard, Volume 3, Issue 78, 24 February 1883, Page 2

The Floods.

(Friday's Herald.) Owing to the heavy persistent rain which has fallen since Wednesday, the river has rarely been seen in such a state of flood has it was to-day— something like thirteen feet above mean low level. It has risen rapidly since last night, and up to the time of our going to press has not fallen anything. This morning it had nearly reached the level of the reclamation embankment, and by mid-day the water was over a part of the Quay and river bank road at McIlhone's corner, the back water also flooding the footpath at Paul's corner. A steady stream of timber has been coming down all day, some of which collected on the cylinders of the railway and traffic bridges. The former was at times visibly swaying about with the force of the current, the water nearly reaching the high flood mark, and at one time there was some anxiety as to the safety of the bridge. The traffic bridge was but slightly affected, although the quantity of timber which collected on the third row of cylinders was enormous, and the Harbor Engineer and one or two men were employed in cutting it away, the men being suspended by ropes from the bridge while hewing away at the timber. The Rowing Club's sheds were full of water, and the boats had to be taken out and laid on the Market Square Reserve. Several boats and canoes were at times to be seen being carried, out to sea. The vessels at the wharf were floating high above it, the water being within a few inches of the top of the wharf. The lower bathing shed, fence and all, has been carried off. At the heads the damage is great, and it is feared Mr Denby will be a heavy loser. The staging at the wharf has fallen in, and part of the boiler is gone. The piling engine and monkey have also disappeared, but as these have probably only fallen down they may be recovered. It is supposed the mishap is owing to under parts of the cliff having been carried away.