THE FLOODS IN THE WAIRARAPA.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXX, Issue 4596, 13 December 1875, Page 2

THE FLOODS IN THE WAIRARAPA.

(from obr own correspondent.) Greytown, Thursday, 7 p.m. After giving in my telegram, I learnt that Mr. Hastwell, who always uses the most enterprising despatch in these matters, had managed to get the Up-Valley mails conveyed across the Waiohine on horseback. As lam on this point, I should mention that this energetic gentleman has had a great deal of trouble lately with the Waiohine, having to send up a draught horse, whenever there was a fresh, to help the coach through, the roadway being so broken up. Sometimes there has been much difficulty, and at times a little danger, but no accident has occurred to passengers or coach through the care and skill of the coachman. No less trouble and loss has it been to carriers generally. On one occasion I saw eleven powerful draught horses to one heavilyladen waggon. Now that the flood has nearly subsided, one can see its ruinous effects on North Greytown —a scene of desolation truly. Miss Wyett, Dr. Spratt, Messrs. Greathead, Merson, and Ramsay, are losers to the largest extent, for not only has the value of their property been much depreciated, but they have suffered directly, the water coming into their houses. On Miss Wyett the loss will fall with the greatest severity, as only recently have been added ample and expensive additions to her seminary for young ladies. Dr. Spratt's garden of rare shrubs and flowers is a wreck, and the fence is all washed away. In Mr. Kamsay's house the water rose 4ft. 6in. The current by the house was very strong, and carried away a large log and a bullock dray. The family, who did not think of getting out till too late, were in great apprehension of serious danger during the dismal night. There are other sufferers besides these, however, but not to so great an extent. The river keeps silting up the water courses, and thus raises its bed up to the general level of the ground, threatening in this way the whole of the northern half of Greytown. If the inhabitants don't actively and wisely unite in a generous and helping spirit the property nearest the river will be ruinously depreciated. A gentleman suggested that those interested should form an association, and, having the advantage, buy a block on higher ground on favorable terms. Some real attempt, however, at facing with energy the difficulty will perhaps be tried soon. I have been told by a gentleman who witnessed it, that the flood did not reach the Waihenga Bridge till nine o'clock this morning, and that between ten and twelve the water rose 4ft. 6in. A large herd of Mr. Bidwell's cattle had just been mustered, and were surrounded quickly by the flood, they taking to the dry high ground of the old racecourse. There i 3 not so much danger to cattle however. It is to sheep that these floods are dangerous : Messrs. Hirsehberg and Mitchell, I believe, losing five hundred by last year's floods.