THE WEATHER AND THE FLOODS.

Oamaru Mail, Volume I, Issue 247, 6 February 1877, Page 2

THE WEATHER AND THE FLOODS.

1 P.M. As might be expected, the continuous and steady downpour which has been experienced for the last thirty-six hours has not been without its results, and it is feared that it will prove disastrous to the crops. The Train from Timaru arrived at the station in excellent time, being only five minutes late, but the guard reports the country in a frightful state, the water in the Waitaki being up to the girders of the bridge, higher than it has ever been known before. There was no train this morning from Awamoko, and Mr. Amos, the foreman of works, proceeded along the line, but could only get as far as Gibson's Crossing, a short distance beyond the Awamoko Junction, the line being completely covered with water, and portions of the bank carried away. The appearance of the station-master's house at the Junction would lead one to suppose that a migration .was about to take place, the platform being strewn with his goods and chattels. From Herbert the same story is heard, and Mr. Dawson, in charge of the station, telegraphs to Mr. Smith, the Traffic Manager, that the roof of his house had sprung a leak, through which the torrents were pouring, and he was living in momentary expectation of the house floating away. He also stated that a stream was in front of the station, running at the rate of about ten knots an hour. Mi-. Amos, finding the damage so serious, returned to town, with the view of getting the necessary appliances and assistance to remedy the disaster, and make the road ready for traffic as quickly as possible. He and a party of men have just left the station for that purpose. 3 P.M. The floods have not interfered in any way with the Moeralci line so as to stop the traffic, and the trains to and from Hampden were run with their usual punctuality. Mr. Amos has not yet returned from the Awamoko, and from the extent of the damage done, it was expected the task of repairing would bs a very tedious one. However, not a moment was lost in setting about it, and should there be any delay in the clearing of the line, it will not be the fault of of tbe department. The barque Frederick Bassil, which has been anchored in the port for some days, was last night signalled to up anchor and out to sea, since when she lias not returned.