The Waikato Argus. GEORGE EDGECOMBE, Proprietor. TUESDAY, APRIL 20, 1897.

Waikato Argus, Volume II, Issue 122, 20 April 1897, Page 2

The Waikato Argus. GEORGE EDGECOMBE, Proprietor. TUESDAY, APRIL 20, 1897.

Tick fates have provided that in tlio absence of news of the progress of the Cretan trouble, wc shall have our sympathies excited by misfortunes nearer homo, sympathy for fellow-colonists rather than witii a Christian population, which it is very doubtful is one tittle more moral or one atom less bloodthirsty than the Moslems with whom they share the island. The catastrophe which has overtaken the people of Hawkes' Hay is perhaps the greatest which has befallen any body of settlers in this colony since its foundation. Predictions were numerous at the time the land which is now flooded was first occupied that it was unsafe to settle upon. There have been numerous floods since th.it time, but never has there been a tale to tell, so sad as that which is recorded in our columns this morning. The details which have reached us, incomplete as they are, are sufficient to show that in addition to the serious loss of life numbers of settlers are practically ruined, having lost the whole of their stock, and in many cases had their houses entirely washed away. No doubt the .sympathies of the people of New Zealand will be extended to the sufferers, and all in their power will be done to alleviate their distress. It must be. noted that although these floods took place on Friday the intelligence did not reach Auckland till Sunday. This was due no doubt to the gale having blown trees across the telegraph line. It is true that the weather has been exceptionally severe, but it must be remembered that from very much less cause communication with the South, and in consequence with the outer world, is frequently interrupted. This points to the necessity for having two lines to Wellington so far separated that the risk of stoppage of both at one time would be. reduced to a minimum.