FLOODS AT BLENHEIM

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 27, 26 July 1911, Page 5

FLOODS AT BLENHEIM

"A PERFECT SEA." TRAINS STUCK UP. By Telegraph—Press Association. Blenheim, Tuesday. What promises to he the biggest flood experienced in Blenheim for many years is now pouring into the town. Many shops are inundated, and some houses flooded to a depth of several feet. The water has come both through and over the proteotive banks, and is rapidly .rising. The offices of Levin and Co. and the Union Co., on the banks of the Omaka river, are in danger of collapsing, -8 the iwater is eating away the concrete protective wall. Two trains are up between Blenheim and Picton, and one between Seddon and Ward. Blenheim, Later. The flood waters are still rising, and only a few of the highest business places are still dry. The rain continues with but slight intermission. Blenheim is a perfect sea. It is impassive yet to estimate the amount of the damage, but it will be very considerable. It is expected to be several days before the railway setvioe is reinstated.

A SERIOUS POSITION. THE EMBANKMENT BROKEN AWAY. STILL RAINING HEAVILY. Nelson, Last Night. News which has filtered through from Blenheim shows that tne position in consequence of the floods is verv serious. Many people have vacated their homes, and the damage is reported to be heavy. iA. train carrying forty school children was derailed at Para last night. The passengers were compelled to remain in the train all night. Food and blankets were procured for the children. The distribution of food supplies is at a standstill, causing great inconvenience. It is still raining heavily. In many of the shops the water is above the counters and the embankment has broken down in manv places.