WELLINGTON. April 15.

North Otago Times, Volume XXXVII, Issue 8161, 16 April 1895, Page 3

WELLINGTON. April 15.

A severe southerly gale ia still blowing, and rain is falling heavily. On some of the lowrlying portions of the town tho wa'er flooded, the footpaths, but to no gtri<>us extent. At the Hutt and Petone, howerer, matters are much more serious, »nd half the district is under water to a depth of four or fire feat. Many families near the river bank have removed to higher iccaUtiei. At one time it Vfis thought that the Wainuionnta waterworks were in danger, and the Mayor and foreman of the works endeavored to get out, but found that the flood water prevented them. Subsequently, however, a message was received that the wa f er was subsiding, and the works were secure. All sorts of rumors were current to-d»y rs to people drowned, etc., bat pot one of them has any foundation. Tho bowling tournament was resumed on the improvised green in the drillshed to-day, but the players regard the aflair more; in the light cf a joke than that of playing in realeirnest. In the inter-club matches Napier and Wellington etand highest, with Napier and Palmerston well up. The pairs were begun this afternoon, but litUe interest was taken in them, and it may be said that the wet weather baa been like a wet sheet on the whole affair. Whoever wins is little criterion as to scientific play, and it would have perhaps been better to have abandoned the whole thing when the gale pet in. The Easter volunteer oampi have broken pp' without much real work being accotnp'ished. Toe railway lino* have suffered to tome degree. Between Palmeraton and Wanganui damage is reported, and between here and the Hutt, and also to Eketahuna, there has been interruption. The telephone wires got mixed up in a most annoying manner, and telegraphic Communication with the reitof the colony Wis seriously interrupted. Shipping is enti'cly suspended.