THE EAST COAST FLOODS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVII, Issue 8165, 26 July 1906, Page 2

THE EAST COAST FLOODS.

AN ALARMINtt EXPEDIENCE, PBB PRESS ASSOCIATION, Gisbobse, July 25, \ Further particulars obtained t<>4 I night regarding the sensational e*. perience at Te Hata station, are to the effect that tho shepherd, Percy Jones, stayed up to watoh, owing to fear of tho river rising. He usually slept ia ~ the men's houso, separated by a small stream from tho main house, and after having tea did not return there, the little stream having become a ,raging torrent. Tho other members of tho household had gone to bed, when, hearing a rumbling noise, Jones opened the door to look out. Immediately water and debris swept in, and he could not close the door. The othors were quickly out of bed. The house being gradually swept towards the river, Tiffen and Merritt got together, and after some difficulty found Mrs Merritt. The three, holding hands, reached the woolshed, but nothing could be seen of Jones, and it was concluded he was drowned. Nosb morning he walkod in in a delirious condition, having been out all night under a tree, without hat or boats, and his clothes soaking. It was a bitterly cold night, with much snow. The men's hut had disappeared in the morning, and nearly the whole of the main residence was swept away. Mrs Merritt, whoso leg was amputated, ig now out of danger, and tho othors are loing well. It is stated there was not six inches on the bodies and limbs jf the four people that was not jruised or scratched.