DISASTROUS FLOODS.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XIII, Issue 207, 30 September 1878, Page 2

DISASTROUS FLOODS.

Reefton, Saturday night. The rivers are still flooded here, and the rain continues with no immediate prospect of cessation. A large number of Supreme Court suiters and witnesses are awaiting an opportunity to proceed down the country, but there is little chance of travelling being possible before Monday or Tuesday at the earliest. Balclutha, Saturday night. The river Molyneux is overflowing. Gangs of men are working to prevent the water getting into the township but the river is getting the mastery and flowing through the streets. — The water is rushing into the township. The Post Office is surrounded and a strong current is flowing past. The gardness are flooded and the inhabitants are moving their property to places of safety— 2.15 p.m: A great portion of the township is under water. The main street is like a river. The Post Office has been inaccessible since eleven o'clock. The inhabitants are still moving their goods, furniture &c, to places of safety. The river is still rising. Inchclutha is nearly submerged and also much of the surrounding land. The ordinary channel of the river is obliterated.— 3 p.m : All the principal streets are like rivers, the water in some places being up to the saddle flaps. The river.is still rising. The weather is warm. All the inhabitants are cheerfully assisting each other. Wellington, Monday. All the Westland rivers a*e reported to be flooded, and the roads rendered impassable in consequence of the heavy rain for days. Much court business is thus delayed. Dunedin, Monday, From Clyde, Lawrence, and Cromwell reports have been received of continuous rain and heavy floods. Communication between the several places is interrupted. There have been immense lend slips in the Clyde district and great damage has been done to the road. Several of the bridges are more or less injured, but none jhave been carried away, though fears are entertained for the safety of the new bridge over the Clutha at Rocky Point. Lawrence, Monday. The Molyneaux river has never ibeen known to rise so high. The Beaumont Bridge, twelve miles from here, was completely carried away yesterday afternoon. The bridge was private property, purchased by Mr J. T. Kitchen. lie Moa Flat station, two years ago the City Council was negotiating for its purchase, to open it for free tra*Bc.