GREAT FLOOD IN MELBOURNE.

Waikato Times, Volume XI, Issue 899, 28 March 1878, Page 2

GREAT FLOOD IN MELBOURNE.

OUTBREAK IN THE COBURG

REFORMATORY.

RELIGTOUS ROW IN SYDNEY.

[PER < ALBION,' AT HOKITIKA.]

[PRESS AGENCY.] MELBOURNE, March 20. Heavy floods have occurred m the suburbs, causing considerable damage to property. It "rained heavily from Thursday to Saturday, during which time four inches fell. The Yarra rose so rapidly that m a few hours it overflowed its banks, and all the low.lying land adjacent was speedily submerged. All buildings — mostly stores — on the south bank of the Yarra were surrounded and communication was only obtained by a boat, and that with difficulty owing to the rapid current. Traffic on the south side of Princes.. Bridge was suspended lor 14 hours m consequence of the water running over it. On the St. Kilda Road, the whole stretch of land as far as the eye could reach was one expanse of water. One. life was lost, a Chinaman, drowned m a hut, Upper Yarra. The flood is not within four feet of the great flood of 18G8, but the water rose much more rapidly. A numuer of persons had not time to save their goods. Many only escaped with their lives with difficulty. There was a most serious occurrence a few nights ago. The boys m the reformatory school, Coburg, mutinied, and for an hour kept a large number of warders at bay. Blank cartridge was fired at them, but to no purpose. A t length tho door of the dormitory was smashed m with an axe, and an entrance gained. Some rather ugly wounds were received on both sides. No cause is assio-mid for the outbreak. Se /eral failures have occurred m the grain trade. S. House and Co., whose liabilities fire £64,440 ; W. Raintird, miller, Kyneton, is said to be £4000 ; B. K. Carter, £12,000. Sir John Coode leaves for New Zealand, pel Tararua on Wednesday week.