WAIPORI.

Tuapeka Times, Volume II, Issue 102, 22 January 1870, Page 6

WAIPORI.

(From a Correspoiideqt).

" (The havoc made by the Jate flood among the mining property in this (district is something enprmous, the greater part pf the claims, with tools, fee, on the Waigori -Flat being buried to the depth of several feet. Many a hard:wprking man who., a few hours before, was in possession of ground at least yielded him comfortable maintenance, found bjniself suddenly deprived of hi§ all, and compelled to seek elsewhere fresh scenes of toil, fortunately no lives were lost, although h party of Chinamen who were working at the back of the township had a yery narrow escape. These benighted Celestials, with the stolidicy of baboons, remained near their tent, staring at the rapidly rising torr.ent ? without making the least effort to save themselves ; and had it not been for the exertions of Mr. Webb and a few others, who put off in a boat to their rescue, they woiild have stood a good chance of a voyage down the river. I need not append a list of the casualties, as you have already pretty fully reported on those in the township and elsewhere. Suffice it to pay that great as has been the damage clone by the flood, the Progress Committee have proved themselves equal to . the emergency. His Worship the Mayor of Waipori, P. Macledowney, Esq., has been indefatigable in his exertions to get the damage done to roads and bridges repaired \ and in conjunction with the other local potentates, has promptly represented the state pf affairs to the Government ; and that their representation has received im r mediate attention the following letters ivill prove :— Land and "Works Office, Ijunedin. Sir,— ln referring to your letter of the 27th November last. I have been directed to acquaint you that the Government have agreed to the expenditure of the sum of £330 by the "Wuipori trosrress Committee on the works therein referred to, subject to a final inspection by an pincial of the Governmsni;.— I am, &c, ' " " Alex. "Willis. Land and "Works Office, Dunedin 12th January, 1870. Sir,— I have heon directed to acknowledge the receipt of your letter quoted in the' margin (6th Jan., 1870), referring to the damage done to three bridges in the district by the late floods. By a previous letter you -will see that the amount required by. the cpmmittee fcr roads and works, was already placed at their dispp§al ; and it is to be hoped the committee will be able to effect the necessary repairs without any further application "to the Government. The Engineer of Eoads and "Works has been instructed to repair the damage to the main road as soon as possible. — I am, &c, '" Ale?. "Willis. It is naturally anticipated that for a time mining matters and business generally will be greatly retarded ; yet, in the face of all this, property in the township has lately changed hands at, I believe, a very fair figure. The Bridge Hotel, lately occupied by Sir. Macledowney, has passed into the possession of Mr. Johnson, of the Commercial Hotel. lam not prepared to state whether Mr. Macledowney has sold or leased the property ; but as for ■ his reason for leaving it, I can only presume that the duties pertaining to his civic office, and the attention required to his suburban property, compel him to relinquish the hotel business." Mr. Vial's Provincial Hotel is also in the, market. I believe the proprietor intends leaving the district. Waipori still maintains its reputation for its healthful atmosphere, blooming maidens, and threepenny nobblers. I have only to l-eport one case of sickness on the present occasion. An elderly man was lately attacked with a sudden indisposition in the middle of the street, when, the road not being in a very clean state, he managed to trace some very pretty landscapes on his outer garments. In the absence of a doctor, Constable Dunne was sent for, who immediately pronounced it to be a serious case of determination of brandy to the brain. Under Mr. Dunne's tender and paternal care, he was couveyed to H.M.G., Lawrence, where, being incurable, I presume Tie will have received the necessary treatment at the hands of that skilful physician, Mr. Simpson.