CAMBRIDGE. THE FLOODS. December 13th 1875.

Waikato Times, Volume X, Issue 557, 14 December 1875, Page 2

CAMBRIDGE. THE FLOODS. December 13th 1875.

The bridge which five years ago cost £1,500 is no more. The loss of this bridge will be a great blow to the settlement, uniting as it did the two line districts of Cambridge aad Pukerimu. Communication with the latter place is of course cut off for the present. The road to Taotaoroa was also impassable tip to Sunday roaming, being six feet undor water, it is feared that much of it will be washed away. Not. much flasger was apprehended up to Thursday night, bat the river still continued to rise at so alarming a rate irhsttat about two o'clock on Friday morning, the {Jorapanys agent MrNeal, signalled te the " Rangiriri," which fortunately was at hand with two barges, to assist in endeavouring to save the goods in the Stores. The water at this time was over the wharf, whioh shortly afterwards was swept away. The balk of the goods was safely got on board the steamer but a 'large quantity of timber, the property of Mr Neal was washed off by the current ; some of this timber had been raored oat of danger no less than five time and then lost. Every effort was made to save tho stores but in vain, the water rising four feet above the ridge. Mr Neal estimates bis loss nt £100. The property saved has been stored for the time in the township, and as soon as the water BubsMes a temporary building will be erected for its reception. A large building belonging to Mr G E Clark has also been swept away. The cutting lead, ing to the bridge on the Pukerimu °side is completely destroyed, several hundred yards of earth having fallen into the river. The flooded state of the creeks has also oaused gfritet damage, three or four small bridggfc having been destroyed and others seriously injured. Early on Saturday morning, the culvert near Mr Redgrave's on the Hamilton Road, burst and carried a large portion of the road into the gully below, which is considerably enlarged. Half a dozen men Arere engaged up to a late hour endevouring to prevent the sanJ wearing away by placing ti-tree and planks to catch the falling water. The Highway Board also stationed a night watchman with lanterns to prevent any accidents. The water, however, still continued to do great harm all day yesterday, and it is estimated that the repairs will cost over £100. -(From our own Correspondent.)