DISASTROUS FLOODS IN DUNEDIN.

Southland Times, Issue 897, 10 February 1868, Page 2

DISASTROUS FLOODS IN DUNEDIN.

DUNEDIN. Friday, Feb. 7, 6 p.m. Heavy floods over province commenced on Monday. The Dunedin streets were in many parts flooded, causing great damage. The bridge "Water of Leith was carried away. In the country districts ; the destruction was greater — Tokomairiro country under water : young man, named Draper, was drowned in attempting to save cattle. Lawrence partly under water ; Waitahuna Flat covered. Roads and bridges throughout the districts much damaged; — floods highest ever known there. Internal communication almost entirely stopped. Mails conveyed in boat nine miles to "Waipora township. Taiera one unbroken sheet of water: many houses washed away. Taiera bridges, cost over £20,000, and approaches greatly injured. A son of Mr Grant, West Taiera,, lost his life attempting to go to his father's assistance. A man, known as German Charlie, drowned. Losses in this district beyond comprehension : farms completely destroyed;; loss of stock inestimable. Palmeraton inundated — flour mills washed away: Runciman (proprietor), wife, three children, two men, and female servant clung to water-wheel 'during the night ; seven rescued next morning — man, Gray, swam with rope. At.Dunstan, Manuheirika River three feet higher than great flood in September, 1866. Six hours river covered with wreck of farms, &c. Floods, Oamaru district, frightful. Rumored at Totara station eleven lives lost — a man, named Lowden," wife and family, residing on station, were asleep in bed when the water came upon them — all drowned. Floods north of Palmerston reported very destructive. The rain just commenced to fall again in torrents. Oamaru, Monday night. Star of Tasmania went ashore about seven o'clock ; about two hours afterwards the Water Nymph went ashore— rail hands saved. A schooner, said to be the Otago, washed ashore. The Water Nymph has broken up. Jetty and serf boats destroyed, Star of Tasmania when struck

beach almost waterlogged— hit ground with terrific force, stern on — slewed round broadside on beach — next wave knocked her over, and tore hole through her side, — two children, named Baker, going home with their parents, were drowned in their berths; and three sailors jumped overboard, and strove to swim ashore — back wash too much. The Star had 2200 bales of wool on board, which has been sold by auction for £1300 to Mr Hansell (?) She was fully insured. Fears are entertained about the Miskin and "Wainui boats absent North Coast.