AUSTRALIAN FLOODS.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2469, 25 February 1893, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN FLOODS.

Brisbane, Feb. 22. The relief fund amounts to £12,700. North Bundaberg is entirely inundated and 400 people are homeless. Feb. 23. Much of the sugar crop in the Bundaberg district is destroyed. Until the flood occurred the prospects this year had been exceptionally bright. The Government Meteorologist predicts more rain.

Owing to the floods the channels in the rivers havo silted, and several vessels have grounded. Until the river is resurveyed vessels will be tendered off the bar.

Sydney, Feb. 23. The authorities estimate that 1,000,000 bushels of maize and 30 per cent, of the sugar crop have been destroyed in the Clarence district.

The damage by the floods in the McLean district is estimated at £BO,OOO, and Government relief has been requested. Many farmers have been ruined, and are asking for employment on relief works. London, Feb. 21. Tho Queensland Relief Fund has reached i'3ooo.

CAUSES OF THE FLOOD. The cause of the first flood seems to have been, so far as Brisbane and Ipswich were concerned, purely local, and this accounts for the fact that the main line of railway between Ipswich and the summit of the main range at Toowoomba remained until the phenomenal rainfall of last week uninjured. Of his journey from Toowoomba towards Brisbane, a correspondent says: Descending the great mountain which hems in the table land no trace is to be seen of the flood which so recently overwhelmed the plains. The little mountain streams flow quietly on, the gullies are unscoured by torrents, and. the permanent way of the railway is uninjured. All this affords a clear illustration of the way in which the cyclonic rainfall, phenomenal in its intensity, confined itself to the coast regions, leaving the mountain ranges comparatively untouched. Some idea of the intensity and local character of the rain may be formed from the fact that the Warrill creek, a tributary of the Bremer about four miles from Ipswich, was not even in flood, whilst the Bremer itself rose about 80ft, and almost swallowed up the town. Residents compare the rainfall to a waterspout, which descended on the watershed of the Brisbane and Stanley rivera. Thus at Brisbane itself, up to Tuesday morning last, 19.42 in of rain had fallen, or 9.19 in more than during the great flood of 1890. The second flood which commenced to rise rapidly last Thursday, seems to have been first caused by a phenomenal rainfall on the mountains which divide the great table land from the sea coast, bringing destruction alike to the Darling Downs district on which are situated three populous towns, Toowoomba, Allora and Jar wick, and the Moreton district at the base of the mountain, in which are the large cities. The same series of storms eventually extended far across the border of New South Wales, flooding the New England district, the waters of which wide territory find their way to the sea by the Clarence and Richmond rivers. These districts are all in high flood, the streets of Grafton, a town as big as Invercargill, beiug great water channels, and the surrounding country a lake for a distance of 10 miles. NARRATIVE OF A CHRISTCHURCH RESIDENT. Mr W. H. Greenfield, a former resident of Christchurch, writing from Brisbane on February 7, sends the following details regarding the great flood in that city to the Lyttelton Time 3. He first deals with the causes of the flood and the description of the Victoria bridge, already fully reported, and then proceeds; Then came word that the Indooroopilly railway bridge, and all other bridges had shared the same fate. The river during the whole of Sunday was one surging mass of wreckage consisting of houses, which would come crashing into one another and break up, pianos, furniture of all sorts, boxes, casks, hay and straw stacks, pumkins in hundreds, fruit trees, trees of all descriptions, dead horses, cows, pigs and poultry. In some cases it seemed as though the house, garden and everything belonging to it had come away in a body, and, as if to make the scene more terrible, the waters were deafening. Many of what had just a few days before been com! fortable houses were carried away and lost forever. Suddenly there is a cry from the crowds on the banks, "Another boat broken away," and a big powerful steamer dashes past, crashing with terrible force into whatever may bo in its way as it is swirled around. One could not help exclaiming,

" GOD HELI' THE POOR FULLOWS ABOARD," who were absolutely powerless to help themselves or guide the boat on its perilous voyage. "Next the cry went up that live or six dredges liad broken away. We could see it to be too true, for fully three-quarters of a mile up the river they were clashing along. With a friend I hurried down to to the bank, only six yards away. Hounding from Humbug Reach to Bulimba Reach we saw a magnificent two-storied house on New Farm side rise from oil* its stumps and sink under these dredges, which apparently ground jit up, for it only came to the surface in bits,. About three, seconds after this three ruare dredges came flying past, all dragging their anchors. JN ext came three of our river barges at a terrible rate, with apparently no one on boards of them excepting a pool' unfortunate fox-terrier dog, who seemed to know too well that he was in a dangerous position by the way he ran whining from end to end of the vessel. Yesterday (Monday, February 6), my friend and I made an early start to make an effort to reach (South Brisbane. Although only living three miles from the boundary, we had to traverse twelve 'miieq before we could get hear, and then hacj'tc, be rowed half a mile across Noj'man.' Creek, near Brisbane river. On landing at thp Lyttqu road we went up road, Kangaroo Point. Wo found sq much of the Point under water that

NOTHING COULD BE SEEN BUT HOUSE TOPS AND WATER, the flood having gone right over the lower portion, carrying off everything moveable. On this point there were several foundries and Peacock's jam factory, but it is impossible to tell how they have fared until the flood has subsided. On retracing outsteps we got on to the river terrace, which is one of the highest parts around the river, forming a high precipice, with the river immediately below, and from here we obtained a good view of what were once our beautiful Botanical Gardens and Government Domain. All the low parts along the river were completely under water, uith a great number of btearners, ships' boats, punts, Sec, right up in the garden, and tied to whatever substantial trees were adjeent. The beautiful new and commodious residence of the caretaker, which was built near the Garden ferry, was a total wreck, while the lower part of our lovely fernery suffered severely All the clumps of bamboos on the bank of the river round the Government Domain have been swept away, the current riming right across the Domain point. Government House, being on high ground, escaped by several feet. Looking down towards Petrie's Bight, off Kangaroo Point, only the roofs of the various Shipping Companies' sheds could be seen. Our gunboat, the Gayundah, and one or two other boats, were out in mid-stream, those on board having a very anxious time of it, for fear the vessels would break away, but fortunately they stood it well. Looking toward South Brisbane the river appeared to be an enormous size. The railway coaling wharves were several feet under water, only the funnels of the steam cranes being visible. Going round the bend the remains of the Victoria Bridge (the southern portion) were plainly seen, the northern half right up to the stone work having beeu swept away, though the wreckage had collected to such an extent as to form a wall. All along the south bank only the roofs could be seen above water ; indeed, it looked very much as though all South Brisbane was submerged. Working around into South Brisbane we found that the flood had risen into the Ship Inn, Stanley street, and the street itself, which had a downward grade toward the Victoria bridge, was altogether under, and only the top flats of two storeyed buildings could be seen. About half-way down the view was blocked by

A PILE OF HOUSES heaped up iu the middle of the street. Going from here up Sidon street, and on to the new railway embankment between Guy and Hope streets, wo could get right down to Melbourne street (which runs to the right of Victoria Bridge) with water on both sides. On either side of this embankment on South Brisbane proper—a portion of the city ■which was thickly populated. From Tribune street right along to the Milton reach of the river there is nothing but a huge sea, with housetops here and there, and piles of debris everywhere, and houses upside down ; in fact, it is too difficult to describe. The water had even gone over the railway enbankment for some distance. Here and there on high ground were to be seen piles of furniture and

HOMELEES WOJIKN AND CHILMIEN,

they having shifted wherever they could on the Saturday night, and trusted to Providence for the rest. All this was indeed a most appalling sight, and yet nothing to what we expect to see when the flood has gone down, for hundreds of homes have been swept away, and there is no knowing the number of lives that have been lost with them. Many of what might be termed the more fortunate ones were busy washing the thick sediment off the walls and floors of their homes as the water went down, and well it needs it, for even now the stench is dreadfully sickening, a fact which makes us fear a fever plague soon. From this wretched scene we made our way towards Woolloongabba. Although we did not see such an appalling sight here as at South Brisbane, still the water had completely submerged hundreds of houses, and wrought ruin. This suburb being more scattered the relief parties could get at those in distress much easier, and take them to places of safety. UTTEK KUIN MEETS THE EYE EVERYWHERE. There is not a suburb around Brisbane, nor Brisbane itself, that has escaped, in fact the whale country might well be described as a huge sea with numbers of small islands, and each packed with with human beings' with nothing but destitution staring them in the face. As we pass by each it atira the inmost goul to see the distress and feel utterly powerless to assist our fellow creatures. I have seen several what were to me terrible sights from time to time, but never have 1° witnessed anything sc terrible, su destructive, as this flood of February 1893. And it is possible for a similar flood to come again before this season is passed. I have only spoken of a very small portion of the country. We cannot get to North Brisbane to see how they are doing. We know that nearly all Fortitude Valley is under water, and Rosalie and Milton and all the lower portions of Toowong. Indooroopilly is a sea, as well as Jerongn and Oxley ; in fact, all the suburbs without exception. The reports from Gympie, Maryborough, Bundaberg and elesewhertshow that they are as badly off, if not worse—though that can hardly be—than we are iu Brisbane, God help the hundreds of poor homeless families.

PUBLIC MEETING AT GERALDINE

A meeting of persons in sympathy with the sufferers by the floods in Queensland was held last evening at Geraldiue, and, considering the unfaYorablo state oi the weather, was well attended. Mr White held the position of chairman, and there were present on the platform the Revs. J- Preston, A. B. Todd, and W. Woolhisg.

The chairman the calling of the meeting, and stated that he had received a letter from the Mayor of Timarir, asking Geraldino to join with Timaru in sending their contributions to Queensland. He had also received atelegra/n from the chairman of the Temuka Town J»naid asking Geraldiue to amalgamate with them in the matter. He had noticed a very good suggestion in the Gjsbaloini: G.'AitiUAN, which was thai they shouh jjunulgauiate with other places in sending donations of produce, so that the Shipping Company p.o'jjd tftke it altogether. He read a letter of apology for non-attendance from the Rgv. Father Treacy, which said that the object of the meeting had the l'jv. geutlemau's greatest sympathy, and that his bishop had ordered that a collection be made in his church on Sunday in aid of the Queensland relief fund. Ho also read a letter of apologv from Mr Winstono. Mr M, 0. Orbell proposed— " That this ,11 3eting deeply deplores the. disaster that jj'is befallen 'our fello,w colonists in lirisbanp, and pledges itself to do all in its piitfar to assist the suil'erers by col]acting subseriiitionfi in either money, goods, or farm produce." The liav. W. WooJhsa seconded the r,osolu ti m , and said that he was willing to d >

all in his power to help in the cause they had under their notice, and that his Church would give their Sunday's night's collection in aid of the fund.—The motion was put to the meeting and carried.

The Rev. J. Preston moved—" That with a view of furthering the cause a committee be formed as under : The cle< gy, the members Geraldine Town Board, Major Moore, and Messrs M. C. Orbell, H.' B. Webster, R. H. Pearpoiat, M. Dunlop, H. M. Moore, R. Skinner, Allen, McKenzie, Flatman, C. G. Tripp, Dennistoun, J. Kelland, W. E. Barker, Button, Wiustone,and Hawkins,Dr Fi.-;h, Captain Temple, and the Hon. J. B. A. Acland."

Mr Preston intimated that he had already received a donation of £1 Is from Mrs Reseigh, of the Geraldne Hotel. Major "Moore seconded the motion, which was carried.

The Rev. A. B. Todd moved—" That subscription lists be circulated at once, and that as immediate relief is necessary, the latest date upon which subscriptions be received be March G, 1893."—Dr Fish seconded the motion, and it was carried. Mr H. B. Webster said that the Government had made arrangements that all money collected would be cabled to Queensland free of charge. He thought the more they got in money the better it would be, but they would not refuse anything they got, and tho stores would be open at any time to receive produce. He moved—" That all money subscriptions gathered in the Geraldine district be cabled over to Queensland by the Geraldine committee, and that arrangements be made for sending produce on the same date as Timaru people send theirs, bo as to avoid it being sent in dribs and drabs." —Mr G. H. Patrick seconded the resolution, which was carried. Mr M. 0. Orbell proposed— " That Mr A. White be treasurer and Mr 0. E. Sherratt secretary of the of the committee for receiving moneys and donatious."—Mr Woollass seconded this and it was carried.

A vote of thanks, proposed by the Rev. A. B. Todd, closed the meeting, after which subscriptions were taken up in the hall, and the following were received :—H. B. Webster, £5 ss; H. W. Moore, £2; Mrs Reseigh, £1 Is; A. White, £o; N. Citron, £1 Is; Major Moore, £1 ; Mrs Major Moore, £1; Mr R. H. Pearpoint,£2 2s; Mr A. Coles, £2 2s ; Mr \V. Macdonald, £1 Is ; and sundry other smaller sums.

At St. Mary's Anglican Church, Geraldine, a special offertory will be taken to morrow towards the relief of the sufferers,

A collection will be taken, up at the Primitive Methodist Church, Geraldine, to-morrow evening in aid of the Queensland sufferers.

The Temuka Brass Band give a sacred concert in the Temuka Park to-morrow iu aid of the Queensand Relief Fund. It is to be hoped there will be a good attendance and a liberal collection.

Telegrams from any bank remitting money collected for the Queensland sufferers will pass free over all land and cable lines.

The Mayor of Palmerston North is forwarding £IOO worth of produce to Brisbane.

The employees of the Kaipoi Woollen Factory have subscribed altogether £IOO towards the Queensland Relief Fund, with which they purchased at actual cost from the company a supply of useful woollen goods,,which were sent by the steamer to Sydney on Thursday. The Timaru Fire Brigade have subscribed £2 7s (id to the Belief Fund. The Relief Fund received a farmer's subscription of £5 7s Gd, subscribed by Mr W. Balfour and his farm employees.

By the Hauroto, which left Dunedin last Saturday, twenty tons of flour and ten tons of oatmeal, to the value of £205, were shipped by the local committee to Brisbane.

Mrs Tatiered, widow of the late Chancellor of the University, has given £SO towards the central relief fund, at Christchurch, which on Thursday amounted to £269. It has been resolved to hold a public demonstration on Thursday, March 9th, in Lancaster Park.

The employees of Messrs J. Ballantyne and Co., at Timaru, have subscribed £5 to the Queensland Relief Fund, and have handed that sum to the Mayor.