SENSATION AT BLUFF.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXV, Issue 19, 23 January 1915, Page 2

SENSATION AT BLUFF.

BURSTING OF THE RESERVOIR. DAMAGE OVER £IO,OOO.

Per Press Association. Invercargill, January 22. At 5.30 this evening the Harbor Board reservoir at Bluff, Horn which the town’s water supply is drawn, burst, causing a sensation and inflict, ing damage estimated at not less than £IO,OOO. The holding capacity of the reservoir is from six to seven million gallons. About six months ago it was enlarged, and it is thought possible that the walls had not properly set. i On Thursday night a record rain, fall of 2.2 inches fell, and during today 0.8 inches. The overflow took place at the eastern corner of the avepue. Then a. breach occiuied, which gradually widened, and then came the deluge.

Most of the people were in their homes at the time, it being the evening meal hour. The first indication of the coming disaster was a sound like steam escaping. At first little notice was taken, as the creek running from the reservoir had been in flood all day, pud it was thought the noise came from there. As the noise became persistently louder, the people began to realise that something out of the ordinary was the matter, and. just before the debacle took place it dawned on them that the rservoir had broken. 4 Then the deluge swept down.

In all, fifteen residences were submerged, and six business places flooded. Hedges and fences were swept in all directions, and houses were turned completely round. One wash-house was swept two blocks aw;iy. The main street was flooded. The water went over the railway line, and poured into the harbor. Cricket, bowling and tennis grounds were submerged, There was no loss of life. The Chief Postmaster received the following message from . Bluff, at 5.30 p.m.:—“Harbor Board’s reservoir burst away. Hhuses in the vicinity are flooded out, and laige volumes of water are coming down the main street now, at 5.30.” Considerable damage was done at the Bluff to Sir. J. G. Ward’s store, and the contents were damaged to the extent of £3OOO or £4OOO. There have hoen several narrow escapes, but no loss of life.