PLOODS IN GIPPS LAND.

Southland Times, Issue 1233, 5 April 1870, Page 3

PLOODS IN GIPPS LAND.

Baiensdale, March 24. The rain has been constant and heavy since Monday, The Mitchell Biter orer-

flowed its banks, and cattle and produce had to be removed from the lotv lands to more elevated situations for safety. On Monday, the 21st inst., the schooner Ella, Captain Davidson, was lost, two miles to the westward of the entrance to the Lakes. There was a heavy sea running, and the vessel became unmanageable. Captain Davidson and one of the crew were washed overboard and drowned. The hull is now driven high on the beach, with her decks out. A quantity of the cargo has already floated out of the hold. The vessel was insured, but not her cargo. Sale, March 25th. The Stratford- bridge was swept away on Tuesday. No Baimsdale mail has been received. The Macalister, Thomson', andLatroberiversare rising fßst,and people are clearing out from the low lands. There has not been such a flood for nine years. We are in hourly expectation of the floods reaching this district. 7 p.m. The floods have reached the Sale back woods. The usual precautionary measures have been taken to prevent loss of life. Two persons are reported as drowned near Heyfield. Fears are entertained for the safety of Pearson's-bridge, on the main road. Baibnbdale, March 25. The Omeo road is impassable, and the river is bank high, ovt rfloodiug the neighbourhood. It never ceased raining from Sunday to Thursday night at 11 o'clock. The Deep Creek bridge is swept away. Great damage has been done at Bairnsdale. The river is falling. Nothing has been heard of the Bairns dale mailman, Mason, or the passengers, since Wednesday. The police report that Mason, the maildriver, crossed Providence Ponds on Wednesday, accompanied by the Delvine groom. The ponds were then low T but soon after became impassable. It is supposed that he is between there and Stratford, but hemmed in by water. The English mail was sent on a pack-horse. . ■ March 26. The G-ood Hope Company, Crooked River, have struck the reef 3ft wide. Th<^ prospect is considered splendid. Sale, March 26. The floods, which have reached a very high point, are now subsiding. The rains have been followed by sunshine, and the grass is now likely to spring u| abundantly. ,