THE FRENCH FLOODS

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LII, Issue 303, 1 February 1910, Page 5

THE FRENCH FLOODS

THE KIVEH SINKING SLOWLY. STRAIGHTENING OF THE SEINE DEMANDED. By Cable. —Press Association.—Copyright Paris, January 30. The Ilyclrometric Office states that the Seine is now sinking slowly but steadily. Violent rain anil hail storms were experienced in Paris on Saturday night. , Parisians are demand!:!.; the straightening of the Seine, whoever the cost, like Peter the Great's scheme for providing an outlet for Hoods in the Neva. When the Seine quays were buiit the river-bed wa« restricted in order io deepen the stream. This has largely caused the present disaster. 31. Millerand estimates that 80,000 Parisian' are homeless and foodless. Direct telephonic communication with London has practically ceased. The Seine fell five inches on Saturday, whife "the M'arne, Aube and Aisne fell six feet. RELIEF FROM ENGLAND. London, January 30. King Edward has donated 1000 guineas, Queen Alexandra £IOOO, and the Prince of Wales £SOO to the relief fund. London music halls are organising benefits and matinees. PLIGHT OF THE NEWSPAPERS. PUBLISHING UNDER DIFFICULTIES. Received January 31, 9.20 p.m. Paris, .January 31. The majority of the Parisian newspapers were published late. The Figaro's lower floors resembled a swimming bath. Tons of sodden paper 'were hoisted out. Pumps are working every night and day as the water recedes. BUSY RESCUERS. DISTRESS AFFECTS A QUARTER OF A MILLION. THE PARISIANS' COOLNESS AND PHILOSOPHY. A PILLAGER SUMMARILY DEALT WITH. Received January 31, 10.30 p.m. Paris, January 31. After rising upwards of 31 feet at Port Royal, the Seine has gradually lallen 10 incite. _ h- ■ Fourteen Facamp fishing boats, each accompanied by fishermen engaged at the owners' expense, are doing rescue work, while bluejackets and clergymen are busy afloat. While nobody is in actual peril, the distress affects a quarter of a million. The newspapers agree that the Parisians' coolness, fortitude and good humor are beyond all praise. Rescuers caught a pillager and hanged •him summarily on the flvry bridge. The police released him just in time to save 'his life.

THE NATIONAL SUBSCRIPTION. Received January 31, 10.30 p.m. Paris, January 31. The national subscription totals £70,000. King Emanuel of Portugal has given £2000; Amerjeans, through their Chamber of Commerce, £10,000; and Boston, £IO.OOO. The Kaiser telegraphed to President 'Fallieres his warmest sympathy. AUSTRALIAN HELP. Received February 1, 12.55 a.m. Brisbane, Last Night. The Government has cabled £SOO for the relief of the French flood sufferers.