GREAT FLOODS.

Patea Mail, 20 March 1882, Page 3

GREAT FLOODS.

IMMENSE DAMAGE IN AMERICA.

New York, 18th.—Floods in the Mississippi river and its tributaries continue, and an enormous extent of country is inundated. Further serious destruction has resulted to life and property, and it is estimated that fully 85,000 persons have been rendered homeless and destitute.

SOUTH AMERICA—TOWNS DESTROYED MANY LIVES LOST.

Rio de Janeiro, 18th.—Disastrous floods have been experienced in this province, owing to the overflow of Parahyba river. A large tract of country is under water, and three towns have been almost completely swept away. Many persons have been drowned, and serious loss of property has been caused by the flood.

Defences of Victoria. Melbourne.—The Government have now definitely decided to complete the defences of the colony and reorganise the military force, and arrangements have been made to carry put the work with the least possible delay. Ireland and St Patrick. London, 18th.—St Patrick’s day passed off quietly in Ireland, no disturbance of special note having occurred in any part of the country. Policy at the Cape. Capetown, 17th.—The Capo Parliament was opened to-day by GovernorSir Hercules Robinson. In his speech his Excellency announced that it was intended to maintain a moderate force of colonial troops in Basutoland for the present, in order to insure the due observance of the laws by the natives, and to prevent any outbreak among them.

ACCIDENT to GERMAN EMPEROR Berlin, 18th. —During a visit which he paid to Berlin Academy to-day, the aged Emperor slipped as he was descending the staircase, and fell heavily. His Majesty was somewhat severely bruised, and is now confined to his room.