The greatest flood ever recorded on the Clutha River occurred due to a combination of factors which began with a heavy snowfall in August of 1878. This was followed by a sharp frost which glazed the tops of the drifts with ice, preventing it from melting in later, warmer weather. On September 24, 36 hours of torrential rain began, followed four days later by 16 hours more. The rain and melted snow flooded the whole of the Clutha river system.
One by one, the bridges of the Clutha were overwhelmed. The bridge at Clyde gave way on the 29th, floated past Alexandra and took out the bridge at Roxburgh. The wreckage of both bridges was swept down to Balclutha by the next morning and, watched by a forewarned crowd, snagged on riverside willows. This did not stop the wreckage but swung it around parallel with the flow of the floodwaters. To the cheers of the crowd, the wreckage shot through between the piers of the Balclutha bridge. It was but a short reprieve. Although the floodwaters receded, more heavy rain fell on October 4th. The Balclutha bridge was battered by debris and succumbed on the 13th.
INCH CLUTHA.
One by one, the bridges of the Clutha were overwhelmed. The bridge at Clyde gave way on the 29th, floated past Alexandra and took out the bridge at Roxburgh. The wreckage of both bridges was swept down to Balclutha by the next morning and, watched by a forewarned crowd, snagged on riverside willows. This did not stop the wreckage but swung it around parallel with the flow of the floodwaters. To the cheers of the crowd, the wreckage shot through between the piers of the Balclutha bridge. It was but a short reprieve. Although the floodwaters receded, more heavy rain fell on October 4th. The Balclutha bridge was battered by debris and succumbed on the 13th.
INCH CLUTHA.
The river rose rapidly during Thursday, the 26th ultimo. On Friday morning a boat's crew consisting of Messrs Pillans, Anderson, Dickison, Beeton, Crusado, and one or two others proceeded round Inch Clutha, and took off those of the residents who were in any danger. They also drove a large number of sheep and cattle on to higher ground. They remained up all Friday night so as to be ready to give any assistance retired. The greater number of the residents of the upper and middle portion of Inch Clutha took refuge in the new Presbyterian Church, where they remained till Tuesday, when the river threatening to undermine the church, they were removed by boat to the mainland, and distributed among the settlers on the ridges. The dangerous condition of the new church having attracted attention, about thirty men set to work and cut down trees, which they hauled to the place where the banks were giving way, and by fastening them to each other, and to other trees that were still standing with ropes and fencing wire, they managed to construct a rough but effective fascine which had the effect of stopping any dangerous inroads in the direction of the Church. Had this measure not been taken, it is probable that the building would have been very seriously damaged if not totally destroyed. As reported in our last issue the school house was carried away, and now in the place where it stood a tremendous body of water, forming a new channel about 250 yards wide, rushes across the Island with frightful velocity. The schoolhouse when last seen was sailing across the sand spit direct for the coast of South America. The sand spit, itself so long a prominent feature of the landscape between Port Molyneux and Kaitangata, is now broken down by the flood, and the river finds an entrance to the ocean by a more direct route than hitherto. The cutting of one or two channels through the sand-spit has had the effect of relieving Inch Clutha and Port Molyneux to some extent, though what the ultimate effect will be it is difficult to say. At the upper end of the Island a new channel has been formed on Mt Willock's land, the river having there cut its way through the bank and finding an entrance into the lagoon behind Mr Anderson's house. The effect of these changes of the river bed will be to make Inch Clutha into several islands instead of the compact, if swampy, little isle it has hitherto been.
The old church of Inch Clutha, which stood about half-way between the new building and Mr Willocks' house was pulled down to save it from falling into the river, which had carried away the roadway in front, and was fast undermining the building. The prize stock mentioned in our last as having been sent to Inch Clutha by Mr Parker, of Milton has happily survived the flood, having been removed to a safe place near Mr Smail's. So far, while no doubt the destruction to stock has been great, it is matter of great congratulation indeed that no human life, so far as is known, has been lost on Inch Clutha or neighborhood. -Bruce Herald, 4/10/1878.
PORT MOLYNEUX
Was wholly under water as far as the school, and the brick cottage leading to the pilot station. A current has set in from the Koau branch into the Puerua, endangering the site of the Alexandra Hotel. The bridge across the Puerua near the mouth has been washed away. Messrs Melville, Stevens and Wright settlers, whose land is situated between the Koau and the Puerua, were forced to leave their houses. They found refuge in the schoolhouse (which was vacant at the time) by sailing in a direct line from their houses to the schoolhouse their passage no part of the way being impeded by any of the numerous fences they had to cross. All the swamp lands to the foot of the Awikiki ridges were covered to a depth of upwards of six feet. The Puerua was backed as far as the lower part of Murdoch's flat. We understand Messrs Melville and Wright have lost all their cattle. Mr Steven managed to save the greater part of his. In Mr. Paterson's store the water rose to a height of 18 inches. It seems pretty evident that the force of the water is tending to make such alterations in the outlet as materially to affect the Port. -Clutha Leader, 11/10/1878.
PORT MOLYNEUX.
Owing to the new outlets for the river the township of Port Molyneux has not suffered by the last flood. The banks, however, are still being washed away by the new channel opened to the Puerua Stream. -Clutha Leader, 18/10/1878.
The town of Port Molyneux was spared by the forming of the present river mouth. But its existence as a port was doomed the moment the river broke through. Without the water flow to keep the channel clear, the port became unreachable. It never saw another ship.
PUBLIC OPINION.
TO THE EDITOR. Sir, — The following is a letter I wrote in duplicate for two papers before I saw the Clutha Times was so hardly pressed as to be obliged to accuse you of writing and addressing letters to yourself. I do not know the Editor of the Times, if the staff includes such an individual, but judging of the unknown from the appearance of what is known — and we are invited by the Times Company to judge them by their deeds — I think the Editor must be such a man as would write letters to himself and publish them.
Would you kindly allow space in the Leader for the following letter, as it gives I expression to the feelings of everyone in this district upon the subject referred to, and considering the nature of the contents I add my name to it. I will afterwards explain why I don't now send it direct to
The Editor Clutha Times. Sir, — Your travelling agent, when here lately, assured me that the moral perfections of all connected with your new paper were above a fair average, and by various arguments induced me to become a subscriber, I believing that the paper would be conducted in a fair way, and with a high social and moral tone.
Now, Sir, from my short experience of the Times, I think it is conducted in rather a small way. Small things sometimes speak, and show those pages and pictures not intended to be seen. I don't see well. Your type is small. You are small with your ink. I can't see it where it ought to form the letters. Your paper is brittly small. Some of your ludicrous matter which you evidently consider clever and smart is, I think, very small. You employ words used by our Saviour, but attempt to give them a meaning never intended. This is small. You denounced Mr Heath, late in one of the Balclutha Banks, in your big small way. Your remarks have no weight in the Clutha, where Mr Heath is so well known and has so many friends. The few to whom he had to apply the square admit, when pressed, that Mr Heath was in every respect a gentleman. Your attack upon him was very small. You never lose an opportunity of reviling the Editor of the Clutha Leader — a man whose name is mentioned with respect by every one I hear speak of him, not only as a private gentleman, but in a public point of view, as well as an Editor. He conducts the Leader with honesty of purpose and acquits himself in public matters with integrity of purpose and prudence of action. Even you must surely consider yourself and your references to him very small when he has not thought it worth his while to take the slightest notice either of you or them. He knows he does not require to do so in the Clutha where he is so well known.
Now, Sir, I will pay you up to the term we agreed upon for my copy of the Times, but be pleased to forward no more copies to my address.
— I am, Sir, Andrew Melville, Port Molyneux. -Clutha Leader, 1/11/1878.
"Railways induce traffic." So it would seem. Since the opening of the through line Dunedin to Invercargill, the passenger trains passing here have been packed full. As to goods — special trains have had to be sent, some of them with as many as twenty waggons drawn by two engines in order to keep the stations clear. The railway officials have had a busy time of it. They are working night and day. -Clutha Leader, 7/2/1879.
SHIPPING
We are informed by Captain Gordon McKinnon, of the Steamer Iona, that in consequence of the effect of the late floods, the old channel at Port Molyneux has been rendered completely useless, at present there being more than a foot of water at the bar, entrance to the port of exit from it being impossible to any class of vessel. Captain McKinnon brought out the steamer through a channel close to Coal Point, which he calls the "Iona Channel," and he states that at half tide and with a heavy sea breaking, the least water was seven foot. In fine weather and with a smooth sea, the channel is a good one, and there is plenty of water to allow small steamers to trade to Kaitangata if the passage (which is rather tortuous) were beaconed off. -Otago Daily Times, 26/5/1879.
| The Inch-Clutha/Port Molyneux area after the 1878 flood. The southern or Matau arm of the river only is shown. The shape of the surveyed town of the Port is easily recognised, as is the new southern mouth of the river and the sandbank denying access to the Port. Sourced from LINZ. Crown Copyright reserved. |
PORT MOLYNEUX.
(FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.), The once-flourishing port of the Molyneux, that bade fair at one time to be the Liverpool of the South, has been for some years, and is, I regret to say, at present, in a very stagnant condition. In its palmy days, as many as a dozen vessels of various kinds might be seen lying peacefully at anchor in the river, and about 40 hands were, I believe, almost regularly employed in lading and unlading cargoes and other work. The busy hum and pleasing excitement connected with the shipping in those days are now things of the past, and a stranger at present visiting, us would think we were all asleep and bewail, no doubt, the forlorn-looking appearance of the place. The Port has been steadily, declining for eight or nine years, and the two chief causes of the decline are the opening up of the railways and the facilities thus afforded for the conveyance of goods and produce, and the gradual withdrawing of the shipping, now totally withdrawn since the great flood of last year. There are also other causes, such as the buying up of land, &c. Were it not that most of our settlers have freeholds, and that we have a rich agricultural district, it would fare hard some in these times of dull trade, dear money, and general commercial depression. There is a good deal of wealth in the district, however, and we can all manage to live wonderfully comfortably.
The old mouth of the river is very narrow, and the bar is completely blocked up by an immense sandbank, three or four feet high I should say in some places extending fully half a mile, which of course prevents the entrance of the smallest craft. There are two new mouths, one at Coal Point and the other near the Port, and the island is now joined to the sandspit so that horses can come (and were lately seen) from the island right across the old bed of the river on to the spit, quite close to the Port. Once since the great flood, the small river steamer Iona paid us a visit, but it was with considerable difficulty Captain McKinnon threaded his way up to the Ferry, and he has never ventured back again. From the above you will easily see that some of our settlers who came here with their pile made by hard industry, intending to make it larger, have had to follow "the hearse of blighted hopes" (as Bulwer-Lytton pithily expresses it), but they are doing so with a hopeful spirit. My next will not be a sad wail over departed glory, but a note of thankfulness for present blessings, and the record of a few passing events that may interest some readers. -Otago Witness, 13/12/1879.
JOTTINGS PROM A DIARY.
No. 1. — Notes on Port Molyneux, &c.
I will premise my few diary memos of a week's excursion to this district with a description of Port Molyneux proper — a country full of interest from various causes, as will appear in the progress of my remarks. This once flourishing port of Molyneux, which bid fair some few years ago to become the Liverpool of the Southern Hemisphere, is now nothing but a miserable stagnant village, consisting of some twenty or thirty houses, a great portion of which are tenantless, with no prospect whatever of its recovering, but with a fearful-looking forward to its further inevitable decadence. The prime cause of this unfortunate state of matters was the terrible flood of eighteen months ago, which not only submerged Inch-Clutha (the "garden of Otago"), but swept away bridges, live stock, and all sorts of property to an incalculable value, and also destroyed one-half of Balclutha, the chief town in the district, as well Stirling and other smaller towns; but these, although terrible disasters to the individuals immediately interested, were as nothing to the effect this flood had on the condition and prospects of the port. Some few years ago as many a dozen vessels and steamers of various sizes might be seen at anchor in the River Clutha ("the noblest river in New Zealand"), employing about forty hands for loading and unloading cargoes, with every prospect of a rapid extension of coastal trade, seeing that the land is not only unsurpassed for the growth of wool and cereals, but was being put under cultivation with assiduity. Several monied settlers also, encouraged by the fair prospect of adding to their "pile," had erected flour mills, wood and saw mills, but the best-laid schemes of men and mice gang aft agley and so it was in this instance, for at one fell swoop — and I may say in one night — the hopes of a lifetime were blasted, and Port Molyneux rendered a "sterile promontory." The River Clutha had burst its banks, and formed itself into two channels, diverting the stream altogether from its ancient course, and forming two different branches or outlets — one at Coal Point, to the north, and the other to the south of the port; but the worst of the disaster was the flinging up of an immense sandbank right across the mouth of the old stream, forming an impassable bar for the very smallest craft. A blink of hope and sunshine to the inhabitants of this God-forsaken spot occurred recently, when the Government proposed to construct a railway from Balclutha to Catlin's River, but although lots of money was spent in prospecting, &c, and a mile and a-half of rails actually laid, want of funds has forced the abandonment of the scheme, and with it the unfortunate settlers have fallen back into their former state of lethargic despair. One case which came under my notice is particularly lamentable — that of old Mr B, who at one time was doing a good trade as a flour miller, but owing to dull times, dear money, and general commercial depression, together with heavy charges for land transit since the shipping was stopped, his mill has been standing idle; but putting confidence in the promises of Government that the Catlin's River Railway would certainly be constructed without delay, he had every arrangement made for resuming work in conjunction with a partner of practical experience, and the disappointment has fairly floored (I don't mean a pun) the poor old man. He is now talking of going back to Scotland with his family, although he is over seventy years old — a melancholy termination to his Colonial experience; but I trust the Government will yet see its way to go on with the railway, as Mr B's is only one of of a number of similar cases. Recurring to Balclutha — the most important town in the submerged district— whole streets were swept away, leaving immense waterholes; and as the river threatens the permanent formation of a second channel through the centre of the town, the Government should proceed at once with the construction of protective works, new bridges, &c, or Balclutha as a commercial centre may at any moment be seriously and irremediably injured. As the town is at present, no one passing casually through — especially one who has known it in its palmy days, as I have done — can help being struck with its forlorn aspect, so many business and other places being closed or advertised "to let."
My description of Port Molyneux would not be complete without reference to the excellent provision which has been made for the mental training of the youth of this district, which is a veritable "oasis in the desert." This consists of three buildings — first, the schoolmaster's house, which is a good substantial wooden edifice of four rooms; adjoining it is the schoolhouse, capable of accommodating about 150 boys and girls, which is well attended by both sexes, and I was much pleased to witness a specimen of their attainments in the readings with which children of ten or twelve years of age replied correctly to different questions in church and secular history, at well as spelling words of such magnitude as would put many of our civic bigwigs to the blush. This happy state of matters, in so far as regards the rising generation of the Clutha district, is doubtless due principally to the exertions of Mr Purves, the schoolmaster, a gentleman not only endowed by Nature with almost every requisite as a preceptor of youth, but with untiring zeal and enthusiasm in his work. I think the School Committee have shown great discretion and wisdom in the selection of this gentleman for such an important position. At the back of the schoolhouse is a two stalled stable; and with oats at l0d or 1s per bushel, combined with the free use of an almost interminable common, it is no wonder that Mr Purves keeps his own nag — or "moke," as a horse is familiarly called here. -Otago Witness, 22/5/1880.
SHIPPING
The s. s. Ino went ashore at 6 p.m. on Wednesday in going out of Port Molyneux. The hull was insured for L950 in the South British (of which L450 was reinsured in the Victoria) and the cargo to the South British for L260. The vessel was owned by Mr Booth (of Oamaru) and by Messrs Fenwick and Kennedy of this town. Captain Russell, surveyor for the Underwriters' Association, visited the wreck, reports that all of the cargo has been thrown overboard and that it is just possible he maybe able to get the steamer off. -Evening Star, 31/7/1880.
We learn that the farmers in the Port Molyneux district reckon their crops this year to be a half better than last year. The root crops, especially potatoes, are looking very well.
The lecture given by Mr A. Purves, teacher, Port Molyneux, last Friday evening in the Puerua Hall on the "Songs of Scotland," with illustrations, was very well attended considering the busy season of the year. Mr Donald Henderson occupied the chair, and briefly introduced the lecturer, who after speaking about the vast and varied collection of songs of which Scotland can boast, of the beauty of the melodies, and the matchless simplicity, naturalness and pathos of the "Auld Scotch Sangs," passed a glowing eulogy upon the power of song in general both to charm the ear and touch the heart. He then gave a brief chronological view of the lyric music of Scotland, extolling Burns as the -"High Chief " who had done more than any other of her illustrious poets to rear the grand temple of Scottish Song. The lecturer at intervals sang several gems by way of illustration, viz.: — "Scotland Yet," "When the kye come hame," "Duncan Gray," "Scots whae hae," and "Wa'e's me for Prince Charlie," which were sung with great feeling and spirit as well as sweetness, and elicited hearty applause. The lecture which was carefully prepared and well delivered, was reckoned very good, especially for a first effort. At the close a hearty vote of thanks was accorded to Mr. Purves for his interesting lecture. The sum of L3 was realised in aid of the hall building fund, which we are glad to learn is now almost free of debt. -Clutha Leader, 11/3/1881.
Mr Wm. Waddell, of Port Molyneux, delivered a lecture in the Warepa Schoolhouse, on the evening of Friday last. Mr W. Christie was called to the chair. There was an unusually good attendance, and the lecturer was most favourably received. The subject of the lecture was "Superstition," and the discourse that followed contained many eloquent passages which were rendered in Mr Waddell's best style. He asserted first, that Superstition was begotten and developed by an ignorance or forgetfulness of the facts of physical science, and spoke of the effects of physical phenomena on the mind of the savage, the uneducated Christian, and the man of education and general intelligence. He referred next to the power of "religious terrorism," and its pernicious influence over the minds of even good men — particularising some of the Reformers and Puritans — in enshrouding them in the mists of superstition, and leading them to commit acts of horrible cruelty, especially on the weak and helpless, which merit our intensest reprobation. He spoke of the superstitious reverence paid even yet to charms and relics, especially on the continent of Europe, and went on to show that mental constitution, natural scenery, early education and association have much to do in predisposing men's minds to superstitious fears. We would have been much better pleased with the lecture had Mr Waddell suppressed some of his remarks on the Church, the Bible, and religion generally. If superstition renders a man a fool, scepticism makes him mad. Lord Bacon truly says: — "There is superstition in shunning superstition, and he that disdains to follow religion in the open and trodden path may chance to lose his way in the trackless wilds of experiment, or in the obscure labyrinths of speculation." — The proceeds of the lecture amounted to L4 0s 6d, and were handed to the Cemetery Trustees, to aid them in the work of improving and beautifying the Cemetery. After the usual votes of thanks the audience dispersed. -Clutha Leader, 9/6/1882.
Chapter 5 - Reinvention. Link here.
SHIPPING
The s. s. Ino went ashore at 6 p.m. on Wednesday in going out of Port Molyneux. The hull was insured for L950 in the South British (of which L450 was reinsured in the Victoria) and the cargo to the South British for L260. The vessel was owned by Mr Booth (of Oamaru) and by Messrs Fenwick and Kennedy of this town. Captain Russell, surveyor for the Underwriters' Association, visited the wreck, reports that all of the cargo has been thrown overboard and that it is just possible he maybe able to get the steamer off. -Evening Star, 31/7/1880.
We learn that the farmers in the Port Molyneux district reckon their crops this year to be a half better than last year. The root crops, especially potatoes, are looking very well.
The lecture given by Mr A. Purves, teacher, Port Molyneux, last Friday evening in the Puerua Hall on the "Songs of Scotland," with illustrations, was very well attended considering the busy season of the year. Mr Donald Henderson occupied the chair, and briefly introduced the lecturer, who after speaking about the vast and varied collection of songs of which Scotland can boast, of the beauty of the melodies, and the matchless simplicity, naturalness and pathos of the "Auld Scotch Sangs," passed a glowing eulogy upon the power of song in general both to charm the ear and touch the heart. He then gave a brief chronological view of the lyric music of Scotland, extolling Burns as the -"High Chief " who had done more than any other of her illustrious poets to rear the grand temple of Scottish Song. The lecturer at intervals sang several gems by way of illustration, viz.: — "Scotland Yet," "When the kye come hame," "Duncan Gray," "Scots whae hae," and "Wa'e's me for Prince Charlie," which were sung with great feeling and spirit as well as sweetness, and elicited hearty applause. The lecture which was carefully prepared and well delivered, was reckoned very good, especially for a first effort. At the close a hearty vote of thanks was accorded to Mr. Purves for his interesting lecture. The sum of L3 was realised in aid of the hall building fund, which we are glad to learn is now almost free of debt. -Clutha Leader, 11/3/1881.
Mr Wm. Waddell, of Port Molyneux, delivered a lecture in the Warepa Schoolhouse, on the evening of Friday last. Mr W. Christie was called to the chair. There was an unusually good attendance, and the lecturer was most favourably received. The subject of the lecture was "Superstition," and the discourse that followed contained many eloquent passages which were rendered in Mr Waddell's best style. He asserted first, that Superstition was begotten and developed by an ignorance or forgetfulness of the facts of physical science, and spoke of the effects of physical phenomena on the mind of the savage, the uneducated Christian, and the man of education and general intelligence. He referred next to the power of "religious terrorism," and its pernicious influence over the minds of even good men — particularising some of the Reformers and Puritans — in enshrouding them in the mists of superstition, and leading them to commit acts of horrible cruelty, especially on the weak and helpless, which merit our intensest reprobation. He spoke of the superstitious reverence paid even yet to charms and relics, especially on the continent of Europe, and went on to show that mental constitution, natural scenery, early education and association have much to do in predisposing men's minds to superstitious fears. We would have been much better pleased with the lecture had Mr Waddell suppressed some of his remarks on the Church, the Bible, and religion generally. If superstition renders a man a fool, scepticism makes him mad. Lord Bacon truly says: — "There is superstition in shunning superstition, and he that disdains to follow religion in the open and trodden path may chance to lose his way in the trackless wilds of experiment, or in the obscure labyrinths of speculation." — The proceeds of the lecture amounted to L4 0s 6d, and were handed to the Cemetery Trustees, to aid them in the work of improving and beautifying the Cemetery. After the usual votes of thanks the audience dispersed. -Clutha Leader, 9/6/1882.
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| Molyneux Bay. The "town hall" is located on the extreme right. |
Chapter 5 - Reinvention. Link here.
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