DISASTROUS FLOOD AT MOTUEKA.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XII, Issue 32, 6 February 1877, Page 2

DISASTROUS FLOOD AT MOTUEKA.

The heavy rains of the last three days have caused a flood in the Motueka River such as has ,never been known in the experience of the oldest inhabitant. A correspondent telegraphed to us at 11 oclock this morning: ' — " Great flood in Motueka River highest ever known. People are being taken out of their houses in boats, and one house has been washed down the river. The flood is still rising." A later telegram, dated 2*30 p m., says:— " About ten o'clock this morning the river rose to such a height that it was unsafe for those living in its vicinity to remain in their rdwellings. Mr John Staples, senior, Mr R. [ Staples, Mr Rumbold, Mrs Davison, and Mr and Mrs Auty were taken- out of their houses in carts, &c. When the latter were being taken away in a boat it capsized in the river, and it was with great difficulty that they were saved by taking sheltefr on the top of a tree, where they had to remain for three hours. I have since heard that they are safe. The whole of High-street is under water, and most of the inhabitants have to leave their dwellings and seek shelter where it is best obtainable. Numbers of stacks of corn, sheep, and cattle are seen floating about, and great loss to crops and property will ensue. I am glad to say that there is now every appearance of the flood subsiding. Communication with Pangatotara and the Moutere is cut off."