DAMAGE BY FLOODS.

Taranaki Daily News, 29 March 1920, Page 4

DAMAGE BY FLOODS.

MOTHER AND CHILDREN DROWNEBf A CAMP SWEPT AWAY, BRIDGES AND ROADS DAMAOWi, By Telegraph.—Press Association. Auckland, Last Night. Loss of life and great damage aro re* ported from North Auckland as a result of floodf. Telegraphing last night- the Herald's Paparoa correspondent stated that * drowning disaster had occurred at the railway works on the main trunk lino in the Upper Paparoa Valley. A worker named Mathews was camped ■near the river with his* wife and family, and the flood suddenly rose and 'west away the camp. The wife and three .children VV drowned, but Matthews succeeded Tn rescuing other members of the family. Another man saved himself by climbing a tree, and he was rescued after six hours. Another man is still missing. Communication with Paparoa by vehicle is practically blocked by datfi* aged bridges and landslips. Several buildings in the township were flooded to a depth of several feet, and in one case a kitchen wag washed out of position. Business is suspended. Enormous damage has been done to roads and bridges. Auckland coastal shipping has had a very rough time, and many vessels are sheltering. The weather is now One and it is hoped the floods will rapidly; subside. Auckland, Match 27A thunderstorm at Paparoa caused the highest flood known for 57 years. The river flats are completely inundated, several houses are surrounded, and mueh damage has been caused to roads, bridges, and private property.