THE EAST COAST FLOODS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVII, Issue 8163, 23 July 1906, Page 2

THE EAST COAST FLOODS.

EXCITING INCIDENTS. fEE PIiESS ASSOCIATION. Gisbobne, July 31, Numerous exciting incidents, in connection with the recent floods, are reported from inland Mr W. D. Mac Donald, a woll-known slieep-farmer, set out from Whakarau (unaware of tlie flood on the plain) on Thursday, riding one horse and leading a pack horse. He got into a big hole that had been washed out in the river, and had a hard struggle. He hold on to one liorse, which, however, went under sevoral times, and ho had to keep clear,, but he got a kick on the lip. The foroe of the kick had been spent, and Mr Mac Donald's lip was only slightly split. Things had becomo very serious, but in the torrent there was a wire from a damaged telephono line, which he grasped, and gradually struggled to higher ground. Ho also saved his horse. The pack horse reached the opposite bank. Samuel Baker also had au exciting advonture. Ho was riding in from Motu district with a clergymau, and ho took what he thought to be safe ground. Ho had a desperate struggle, and only for the help at hand, his plight would have been hopeless. At one orossing, a pack horse carrying the mail was swept down the stream, and was rescued with difficulty with tho aid of a boat.

There is much damage to the roads. One oarrier has been blocked up for days with over a dozen horses, which he is Hading difficulty to supply with food,

Motu and Kakauroa have both had bad times. At the latter place the snow was three feet doep. There are no details to hand from Motu.

The coastal mail contractors are having a rough time. On Friday Bedstone and Son had as many as twentyeight horses on the East road. The' ooach from Tolaga got into difficulties and another sent from town to assist had a mishap. Finally an express was sent out, and brought in the mails'